I heard once that you should never use the word "many." Why?

Answer by  malone (4817)

"Many" is a "soft word." It's vague and boring. Most any writer will tell you to avoid words like "several," "some," "lots," and other general references to more than one. Say "a half dozen" or "at least 50," e.g. Choose words that help the reader create a mental picture.

Answer by  HelpfulAndy (1107)

It's a very vague word, you are correct. However, the word 'many' derives from a very offensive word in french used as an insult.

Answer by  thinker (34)

There is nothing grammatically incorrect about the word "many" in itself. If it is to be avoided at all, it would only be because it is by definition imprecise.