a countless number of

USAGE SUMMARY

'a countless number of' is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase is typically used to indicate a large quantity of something that can't be counted easily. For example, you could say: "There were a countless number of stars in the night sky."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Not to mention a countless number of suitcases.

The New Yorker

He imagines, with predictable vigor, "killing and subduing a countless number of mountaineers".

The New Yorker

Over time, they morphed into massive plants that churned out a countless number of identical units.

The New York Times - Magazine

Yet four years, and a countless number of traumatized parents and children later, Albany has yet to act.

The New York Times

A countless number of 3-2 victories were racked up as well as a 6-3 triumph along the way.

The Guardian - Sport

Nitric oxide is involved in a countless number of physiological processes and is known to have cytoprotective as well as cytotoxic effects.

Life Sciences

Due to her extensive knowledge and years of practicing law, she has obtained positive outcomes for a countless number of clients.

Cornell University

Eleanor White's "Meticulously + Elegant" consists of a pair of white leather gloves suspended from the wall, and punctured with a countless number of pins.

The New York Times

There are, of course, a countless number of ways to share pictures with your family, ranging from photo-sharing sites to e-mail.

The New York Times

The unlimited possibility of modifying the structure of the cation and anion of a given ionic liquid (IL) delivers a countless number of potential derivatives having different toxicological activities.

Journal of Molecular Liquids

But even to the extent the States may constitutionally promulgate curtailment plans, the inevitable result would be varied regulatory programs of state courts and agencies, interpreting a countless number of different contracts and applying a variety of state agency rules.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a countless number of", ensure the context genuinely implies a quantity that is impossible or impractical to count. Avoid using it for amounts that are simply large but countable.

Common error

Avoid using "a countless number of" when a more specific quantifier (e.g., "dozens", "hundreds", "thousands") would be more appropriate. Overusing the phrase can weaken your writing by sacrificing precision.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a countless number of" functions as a determiner that modifies a noun, indicating a quantity that is too large or impossible to count. This aligns with Ludwig's identification of the phrase as grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Science

18%

Academia

6%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a countless number of" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed phrase used to signify a quantity too large or impractical to count. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability across diverse contexts. The phrase is particularly common in news and media, but also finds use in science and academia. While versatile, it's crucial to ensure its usage aligns with situations where the quantity is genuinely immeasurable, as overuse in countable contexts can diminish writing precision. Alternative expressions, such as "innumerable instances of" or "a plethora of", offer nuanced ways to convey similar meanings. By understanding these guidelines, writers can effectively leverage "a countless number of" to enhance their communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

innumerable instances of

Replaces "number" with "instances", focusing on individual occurrences rather than the overall quantity. It also has a slightly more formal tone.

a plethora of

Implies an abundance or excess of something, carrying a slightly more positive or celebratory connotation.

myriad instances of

Similar to 'innumerable instances of' but uses 'myriad' to emphasize the variety within the large quantity.

an unquantifiable amount of

Focuses on the inability to measure the quantity, suitable when precision is impossible.

untold quantities of

Emphasizes that the amount is so large it hasn't been or can't be fully described.

an infinite number of

Suggests a theoretically limitless quantity, which might be an overstatement in some contexts.

limitless occurrences of

Uses 'limitless' to highlight the lack of any boundary or restriction, applicable when the count is practically unbounded.

a sea of

This is a more figurative way to describe many things, implying that the objects are covering some type of surface.

heaps of

Implies there is an unorganized collection or group of something. Less appropriate in a formal context.

tons of

This phrase is more casual, and can sometimes be seen as hyperbole, meaning it is not necessarily taken literally.

FAQs

How can I use "a countless number of" in a sentence?

Use "a countless number of" to describe something that is impossible, impractical, or very difficult to count. For instance, "A countless number of stars are visible on a clear night".

What phrases are similar to "a countless number of"?

Alternatives include "innumerable instances of", "a plethora of", or "myriad instances of". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired tone.

Is it better to use "countless number" or "large number"?

"A countless number" implies the items are impossible to count, while "a large number" simply means there are many. Use "a countless number of" when the quantity is truly immeasurable.

Can "a countless number of" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "a countless number of" is acceptable in formal writing. However, ensure its use is accurate; if a more precise quantifier is available, it may be preferable. More formal alternatives include "innumerable instances of".