dozens
B1Informal to neutral
Definition
Meaning
An indefinite large number, typically around twelve, often used to indicate a rough, informal count.
Refers to a moderately large number; in historical slang, part of ritualized verbal contests ("playing the dozens").
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
As a plural noun, it is a unit of approximate quantity. Often used with modifiers 'a few', 'several', 'many'. Imprecise but understood as a multiple of twelve.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal. The phrase 'the dozens' (verbally insulting game) is primarily associated with African American Vernacular English in the US.
Connotations
Generally neutral. In AAVE contexts, 'the dozens' carries specific cultural weight.
Frequency
Comparable frequency in both dialects. More likely to be used in informal contexts in both.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
dozens of [plural noun]a dozen + [plural noun]in/by the dozenVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “talk nineteen to the dozen”
- “a baker's dozen (13)”
- “by the dozen”
- “six of one and half a dozen of the other”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
"We received dozens of applications for the position."
Academic
"The study cites dozens of sources to support its conclusion."
Everyday
"I've told you dozens of times not to leave your shoes there."
Technical
Rare, except in historical/quantitative contexts, e.g., "eggs are packaged in dozens."
Examples
By CEFR Level
- She bought dozens of balloons for the party.
- I have dozens of cousins.
- We've visited that museum dozens of times.
- The recipe requires several dozen cookies.
- Dozens of protesters gathered outside the parliament building.
- He can recite dozens of poems from memory.
- The policy shift has been analysed in dozens of academic papers.
- Archaeologists unearthed dozens of artefacts from the Neolithic period.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a DOZEN DONUTS. Now imagine dozens of boxes - that's a lot of donuts!
Conceptual Metaphor
QUANTITY IS SIZE (a dozen is a manageable 'size' of quantity; dozens is a 'larger size').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct calque 'десятки' for informal 'dozens', which can sound overly literal. Use 'много', 'десятки' is more for exact tens.
- Do not confuse 'a dozen' (дюжина) with 'dozens' (много).
Common Mistakes
- Using 'dozens' with a singular noun: *'dozens of car' (incorrect) vs. 'dozens of cars' (correct).
- Using it as a singular quantifier: *'a dozens people' (incorrect) vs. 'a dozen people' (correct).
Practice
Quiz
Which phrase correctly uses 'dozens'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Dozen' is singular and refers to exactly or approximately twelve. 'Dozens' is plural and means an indefinite but significant number, typically many multiples of twelve.
Yes, but cautiously. It's acceptable for an approximate, informal count. For precise quantification, use specific numbers or terms like 'many', 'numerous'.
It's a African American cultural tradition of ritualized, playful insult exchanges, often targeting family members, where participants try to outperform each other verbally.
It is commonly used but considered non-standard by some style guides. 'Several dozen' (without the 's') is the preferred form.