Bunch

Hi,'

It can have either meaning.

Clive

Thanks!
But... lol, it's confusing! What do I have to understand if I hear "There was a bunch of guys waiting"? There were a lot?

What's the usual meaning? I get the feeling that the usual meaning is "a group of", not "a lot of". It can mean "a lof of" if it's creal from the context, though, otherwise the default meaning is "a group of". What do you think?

Thanks again

Hi,

it's confusing! What do I have to understand if I hear "There was <<< I prefer 'were' a bunch of guys waiting"? There were a lot? It's not clear. If it's important, ask 'How many?'

What's the usual meaning? I get the feeling that the usual meaning is "a group of", not "a lot of". It can mean "a lof of" if it's clear from the context, thou

Ok, thanks! I don't need to worry then.

That "was" was a mistake, I meant "were". I know "a bunch of" is number transparent. I was wondering if someone could write a list of similar expressions that are number transparent (= the verb before the expression agrees with what comes after).
I can only think of these. Does anyone else know any others?

Number transparent:

KooyeenThanks!
But... lol, it's confusing! What do I have to understand if I hear "There was a bunch of guys waiting"? There were a lot?

Think "bananas". (Or "grapes".)

The important thing in "bunch" (when applied metaphorically) is its slightly dismissive implication.

"There's a bunch of Nobel prize-winners waiting outside" do

I rarely get the feeling that a bunch of refers to a very large number of something.

I get more of the feeling that it's a term used to impart an emotional twist to what is said. It's often used with just.

As Mr. P. said, it's a sort of put-down in many cases -- not very respectful -- as in your first example, or in:

Don't hang around with those

Thanks a lot!
But does anyone know any other number transparent expressions?

Kooyeen I was wondering if someone could write a list of similar expressions that are number transparent (= the verb before the expression agrees with what comes after).
I can only think of these. Does anyone else know any others?

Number transparent:
There are a

I listed a bunch of them ( !!! ) on another post somewhere.
I can't find it just now. Maybe you can find it with the search function.

CalifJim transparent

ought to do it.

CJ

Hi Jim,
I tried to find it, and I found some info, but I had already read those posts. And that's because I think I've read most of your posts, LOL. Anyway, it looks like only these are really number transparent "from the left" (= the verb that comes before them agrees with what comes after):

There were a variety of wallpapers available for free.

a couple of

Whether an expression is number transparent shouldn't vary depending on whether agreement is "from the left" or "from the right". Are you finding cases where that's so? (The only agreement with the verb on the left is the there construction, isn't it? Is that what you mean?)

I don't think you've listed these yet.

the rest of, the remainder of, lots of, plenty o