As many as: meaning, definitions and examples

To emphasize a large quantity or number of countable items, often used with a sense of astonishment or emphasis.

• There were as many as 200 people at the event
• The company plans to hire as many as fifty new employees

To specify a maximum quantity or limit, indicating that the number or amount could be any value from zero to the specified maximum.

• The discount applies to purchases of up to $500
• You can invite up to ten friends to the party

To talk about large amounts of uncountable quantities, typically used for things like money, time, or effort.

• She spends as much as $1000 a month on clothes
• He devoted as much as fifteen hours a week to his hobby

To describe a very large quantity of something, often used in more formal or descriptive contexts. It can sound a bit more sophisticated or literary.

• The stars in the sky were as numerous as the grains of sand on a beach
• The errors in his report were as numerous as the pages

This phrase is often used to emphasize a surprising or unexpectedly high number, particularly when making comparisons or discussing quantities.

• There were as many as 50 people in the room.
• As many as 70% of the participants agreed with the statement.

This phrase is commonly used to describe a considerable quantity of countable items or people. It is appropriate in both formal and informal settings.

• A large number of students attended the workshop.
• The library has a large number of books on various topics.

Use this phrase when referring to a significant quantity, often uncountable items like information, money, or time. It is typically found in more formal or professional contexts.

• The company invested a substantial amount of money in the new project.
• A substantial amount of evidence is required to prove the case.