There are a large number of books on the shelf.
a large number of sth
idiomThis phrase just means 'many'. You use it before a plural noun to talk about a lot of people or things.
The organizers were surprised to see a large number of people waiting outside the theater for the show to begin.
The research team collected a large number of samples from the forest to ensure their study provided a comprehensive view of the local ecosystem.
Last updated April 22, 2026