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houttbe

macrumors member
Original poster
Jul 18, 2002
70
62
Brussels, Belgium
I realize there are more important things going on, but the frequent use of the word “multiple” (as in “multiple HomePods”, ...) continues to annoy me. In most cases there are perfectly usable simple words, like “several”, “numerous” or “many”, with each of these denoting a progressively larger number. Also, I would tend to use “multiple” with a singular noun, as in “multiple system failure”.

English is not my first language so I stand to be corrected. Anyone agreeing with me?
 
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I realize there are more important things going on, but the frequent use of the word “multiple” (as in “multiple HomePods”, ...) continues to annoy me. In most cases there are perfectly usable simple words, like “several”, “numerous” or “many”, with each of these denoting a progressively larger number. Also, I would tend to use “multiple” with a singular noun, as in “multiple system failure”.

English is not my first language so I stand to be corrected. Anyone agreeing with me?
I think it comes down to generalizing the actual amount. As English isn't your first language there are some inherent assumptions you may not be aware of.

For instance, its generally accepted amongst English speakers (at least in the USA) that a couple means two. A few means three or four, several (one of your words above) means seven. Numerous can be a vague amount, but is generally more than 'multiple' and when you use the word 'many', people often respond with "how many?" Because 'many' is a word often used by those who have no idea of the exact amount but should.

Multiple fits somewhere after several but before numerous. It's a larger amount than several but not enough to be numerous. Your average computer user may have multiple computers at home, but if they have numerous computers people start to question their sanity.

PS. A 'handful' is another word. Depending on the size of the subject, a handful can be a little or a lot, but means whatever can fit in the hand (and therefore you're guessing as to the exact amount). If someone is using it to describe an amount of items that are incapable of fitting in the hand then it's usually interpreted to mean a 'few'.
 
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I think it comes down to generalizing the actual amount. As English isn't your first language there are some inherent assumptions you may not be aware of.

For instance, its generally accepted amongst English speakers (at least in the USA) that a couple means two. A few means three or four, several (one of your words above) means seven. Numerous can be a vague amount, but is generally more than 'multiple' and when you use the word 'many', people often respond with "how many?" Because 'many' is a word often used by those who have no idea of the exact amount but should.

Multiple fits somewhere after several but before numerous. It's a larger amount than several but not enough to be numerous. Your average computer user may have multiple computers at home, but if they have numerous computers people start to question their sanity.

PS. A 'handful' is another word. Depending on the size of the subject, a handful can be a little or a lot, but means whatever can fit in the hand (and therefore you're guessing as to the exact amount). If someone is using it to describe an amount of items that are incapable of fitting in the hand then it's usually interpreted to mean a 'few'.

I totally get your point here, but then we could just use another phrasing!
"A non-specified but positive integer amount of HomePods, the quantity of which exceeds one, but is not ludicrously large, though it's plentifulness may if the customer desires be ludicrously large, though that numerosity is outside the scope of this sentence - of HomePods"
 
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