A restricted number of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "A restricted number of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a limited quantity or selection of items or individuals. Example: "The event will only allow a restricted number of participants to ensure safety and comfort."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Academia

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A restricted number of species are adapted to brackish waters; and members of the family Spongillidae (class Demospongiae) populate the fresh waters of rivers and lakes.

Britannica

A restricted number of random and fixed factors will be included as required to account for extraneous differences.

Duke University

A restricted number of them reached the OB granular region, and displayed the morphology of differentiated neurons (not shown).

Plosone

In a restricted number of cases, education was measured by the highest completed education level.

Nature

Only a restricted number of appropriate stem cells markers have been explored so far.

Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews

GIF format works well for images with a restricted number of colors but not for photos with lots of colors.

Princeton University

However, only a restricted number of species can be considered in such a multiscale approach combining several numerical codes.

Surface and Coatings Technology

While they are frequently used in Western countries, other countries have realized only a restricted number of competitions and exhibitions.

International Encyclopedia of the Social & Behavioral Sciences

Main limitations of this technique include wavelength ratiometric properties inherent only to a restricted number of solute specific fluorescent dyes.

Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical

Whittle said although he was finding work in the US there were only a restricted number of parts he could take unless he hid his accent.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Given that household surveys and censuses are not held every year, for many countries the indicators are only available for a restricted number of years.

Nature

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "A restricted number of", ensure the context clarifies why the number is limited. Providing this context enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "A restricted number of" when the quantity is already understood to be limited. Overusing this phrase can make your writing sound redundant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "A restricted number of" functions as a determiner phrase, modifying a noun to indicate that the quantity or amount being referred to is limited or controlled. As noted by Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

69%

Academia

10%

News & Media

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "A restricted number of" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression for indicating a limited quantity or selection. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, its usage spans across diverse contexts, with a strong presence in scientific and academic domains. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying the reason for the restriction to enhance understanding. Alternatives like "a limited quantity of" or "a select few" can be used for variety, but maintain the original meaning. Be mindful of overusing the phrase when the limitation is already implied to avoid redundancy. The phrase is considered correct and usable in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A limited quantity of

Replaces "restricted" with "limited", emphasizing the finite amount available.

A finite number of

Uses "finite" instead of "restricted", highlighting the definite limit.

A select few

Emphasizes the chosen or exclusive nature of the small group.

Only a handful of

Uses a more informal, visual term ("handful") to convey smallness.

A small subset of

Highlights that the group is a portion of a larger whole.

A narrow selection of

Focuses on the limited choice available.

A scarce amount of

Emphasizes the rarity or infrequency of the item or element.

A controlled portion of

Highlights the deliberate management of quantity.

Relatively few

Uses "relatively" to emphasize that the number is smaller compared to what might be expected.

A reduced set of

Highlights the diminishing or lessening aspect of the quantity.

FAQs

How do I use "A restricted number of" in a sentence?

Use "A restricted number of" to indicate a limited quantity or selection. For example: "A restricted number of tickets are available for the event".

What can I say instead of "A restricted number of"?

You can use alternatives like "a limited quantity of", "only a handful of", or "a select few" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "A restricted number of" or "The restricted number of"?

"A restricted number of" is used when referring to a non-specific limitation. "The restricted number of" implies a specific, pre-determined limit.

What's the difference between "A restricted number of" and "Few"?

"A restricted number of" explicitly states that there is a deliberate limitation. "Few" simply indicates a small quantity without necessarily implying a restriction.