When did ‘multiple’ become the new ‘many’? ‘Multiple’ means ‘very many of the same thing.’ But so do ‘ many’, ‘several’ and ‘numerous’. These words are just as clear or clearer than ‘multiple’ without so many other meanings and sounding a little pompous.
So, the next time you find yourself about to write or say ‘multiple’, try using ‘many’ instead. Better yet – shift from vague to specific by using a number, like ‘four’. I’d love that choice.