a certain number of workers

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a certain number of workers" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to an unspecified quantity of workers in a general context. Example: "The company plans to hire a certain number of workers to meet the increased demand for their products."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

One colleague reminded them that city regulations require a certain number of workers to be present.

The New York Times

On Wednesday afternoon, Intermarché issued a statement saying that "the management of Intermarché took the initiative to invite a certain number of workers for the ministers' visit".

The New York Times

New York could, for example, provide a loan or a grant to a company that signs a long-term lease or agrees to hire a certain number of workers.

The New York Times

They said that companies receive an average of $3,500 per employee, but in return they commit themselves to maintaining a certain number of workers in Lower Manhattan for an average of nine years.

The New York Times

Possibly, at the colony level, reducing the infection level even for a few days in a certain number of workers might slow the rate of horizontal transmission among nest mates; this remains to be tested.

F1000Research

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

"My job here [in Germany] comes with guaranteed funding for a certain number of co-workers, forever," says Fiedler. "That means I can tackle real long-term projects, things that are challenging and may not work out, without having to worry about losing my grant". Family reasons, too, figured in the German scientist's decision.

Princeton University

Developers also would have to pay wages set by the city government and hire a certain number of local and disadvantaged workers.

Los Angeles Times

Still, I guess they're keeping a certain number of barmen, ambulance drivers and garment workers in jobs.

Vice

Job refers to specific, but unique, activities performed by the worker for a certain number of hours in a given day (see Figure  1).

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

Task refers to specific, but unique, activities performed by the worker for a certain number of hours in a given day.

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

While employers expect workers to miss a certain number of workdays each year, excessive absences can equate to decreased productivity and can have a major effect on company finances, morale and other factors.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a certain number of workers", ensure the context clarifies why the exact number is not specified. Is it unknown, irrelevant, or confidential?

Common error

While acceptable, "a certain number of workers" can sound vague. In formal reports, strive for precision. If the exact number is unavailable, indicate the range or estimation method.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a certain number of workers" functions as a determiner phrase modifying the noun "workers". It indicates an unspecified quantity, implying that a specific amount exists but is not being explicitly stated. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

30%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a certain number of workers" is a grammatically sound phrase used to denote an unspecified quantity of employees. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and usability. While it appears most frequently in News & Media, Science, and Academic contexts, its neutrality makes it adaptable to various settings. When using this phrase, consider whether greater precision would enhance clarity. Alternatives like "a specific quantity of workers" or "an unspecified number of employees" may be more suitable depending on the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a specific quantity of workers

Replaces "certain" with "specific", indicating a known, though perhaps unstated, number.

an unspecified number of employees

Substitutes "workers" with the more formal "employees" and uses "unspecified" instead of "certain".

a given number of staff

Uses "given" to imply a predetermined quantity and replaces "workers" with "staff".

a select group of personnel

Emphasizes the selection process and uses more formal terms like "personnel".

some workers

Simplifies the phrase to indicate an indefinite, but likely small, number of workers.

a portion of the workforce

Refers to a segment of the total workforce, without specifying a precise number.

a number of laborers

Replaces "workers" with the more manual labor-oriented term "laborers".

several employees

Indicates more than a few, but not many, employees.

various members of staff

Implies a diverse group of staff members, without specifying the exact count.

an allocated contingent of workers

Focuses on the assignment of workers, using the formal term "contingent".

FAQs

How can I use "a certain number of workers" in a sentence?

You can use "a certain number of workers" to indicate an unspecified quantity of employees, as in "The project requires "a certain number of workers" with specialized skills".

What are some alternatives to "a certain number of workers"?

Alternatives include "a specific quantity of workers", "an unspecified number of employees", or "a given number of staff" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "a certain number of workers" or a precise number?

It depends on the situation. If the exact number is known and relevant, use it. If the exact number is unknown, not important, or confidential, "a certain number of workers" is appropriate.

What does "a certain number of workers" imply?

It implies that there is a specific quantity of workers, but the exact value is either not known, not relevant to the discussion, or being withheld for some reason.