legion
legion — adjective
1. existing in extremely large numbers; so many that it is difficult to list or cou
existing in extremely large numbers; so many that it is difficult to list or count them all.
The problems facing the new hospital were legion, from old equipment to empty beds.
predicative pattern: be legion
Hyun's excuses for refusing the job were legion — low pay, long hours, a mean boss.
subject + be legion + listing examples
The stories about the old castle are legion, yet few have been written down.
Rumours about the singer's return are legion, though the singer has said nothing.
Excuses for not exercising are legion, but walking for ten minutes costs almost no time.
- numerous
neutral and more common; works both before and after a noun
- countless
emphasises that the number cannot be counted; less formal than legion
- myriad
also means 'very many'; can be used before a noun ('myriad problems') which legion cannot
- abundant
suggests plenty or more than enough, often with a positive tone
文法句型
be + legion
用法筆記
Only used predicatively (after a form of 'be'). Cannot be placed before a noun — you cannot say 'legion problems'. The structure is always '[subject] + be + legion'.
常見錯誤
legion — noun
1. in ancient Rome, the army's largest fighting unit, made up of several thousand f
in ancient Rome, the army's largest fighting unit, made up of several thousand foot soldiers together with cavalry.
Each Roman legion contained about five thousand foot soldiers and a unit of cavalry.
numerical description of a legion's size
The general led his legion north to stop the rebel tribes from invading Roman land.
Workers uncovered the remains of a Roman legion camp while digging near the river.
A legion could march over thirty kilometres a day carrying heavy shields and swords.
The Roman legion was admired for its strict discipline and clever battle strategies.
文法句型
[number] + legion(s)
the + [name] + Legion
用法筆記
When referring to the historical Roman unit, the word is often capitalised in names such as 'the Tenth Legion'. The modern military does not use 'legion' as a standard unit name, though 'Foreign Legion' is a recognised exception.
常見錯誤
2. an extremely large collection of people who share a common role, such as support
an extremely large collection of people who share a common role, such as supporters, volunteers, or followers.
A legion of fans waited outside the stadium, hoping to see the singer arrive.
pattern: a legion of fans / supporters / followers
Marta's legion of volunteers arrived at dawn to clean up the park after the storm.
A legion of reporters gathered outside the courthouse during the high-profile trial.
The charity relies on a legion of helpers who deliver meals to elderly people.
A legion of tourists floods the small village every summer, filling every hotel room.
文法句型
a legion of + [plural noun]
用法筆記
Often used with a following 'of + noun' to specify the type of people. The tone is slightly formal or literary — in everyday conversation, 'a huge number of' or 'lots of' is more common.
3. a national organisation for people who have previously served in the armed force
a national organisation for people who have previously served in the armed forces, such as the American Legion in the United States.
My grandfather joined the American Legion after returning from the war in Europe.
proper noun: the American Legion
The local legion branch holds a ceremony every November to honour fallen soldiers.
Veterans from different wars meet at the legion hall every Saturday morning for coffee.
The legion raised money to build a memorial for local soldiers killed in the conflict.
- veterans' association
a more general term; not tied to a specific named organisation
- ex-servicemen's club
less formal and more locally focused
文法句型
the [name] Legion
用法筆記
When it refers to a specific organisation, the word is usually capitalised ('the American Legion', 'the Royal British Legion'). Without a following name, it can mean the local branch ('the legion hall').