determiner

so many

soh MEN-ee

So many (determiner) means Such a large number of countable things that it produces a particular result or reaction. Example: “There were so many people that we could not get near the stage.”

determiner

Such a large number of countable things that it produces a particular result or reaction.

"There were so many people that we could not get near the stage."

"Why do you own so many umbrellas?"

A fixed but unspecified number, used when the exact figure does not matter.

"You are allowed so many free returns a year and no more."

How to Use So many

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA really big number of things you can count.

When to use it

Neutral. In careful writing so many that takes a result clause: "so many that we ran out".

Memory tip

So many goes with countable plurals (so many chairs). So much goes with uncountables (so much furniture).

Easily confused with

so much → too many such a lot of

Common pairings

so many people so many times not so many so many of them

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Can you complete this real example?

There were _____ people that we could not get near the stage.

Synonyms

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such a lot of a great many

Rhymes for so many

any many zany botany litany Albany Germany company Tuscany Bethany Tiffany Brittany

See all rhymes for so many →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between so many and so much?

So many is used with plural countable nouns, as in so many mistakes. So much is used with uncountable nouns, as in so much trouble. So much also modifies verbs: "I miss you so much."

What is the difference between so many and too many?

So many describes a large amount, often with admiration or surprise. Too many says the amount is excessive and a problem: "so many options" is exciting, "too many options" is paralysing.