a fairly large number

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a fairly large number" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a quantity that is significant but not precisely defined, often in contexts involving statistics or general observations. Example: "In the survey, a fairly large number of participants expressed their satisfaction with the new product."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

All of the bankers I know, which is a fairly large number, are noncommittal about lending".

The New York Times

While that is a fairly large number of people, many of them are not of voting age.

The Guardian - Opinion

A fairly large number of students also earn degrees in education (by way of the Lehramtspruefung) and in technical schools.

Encyclopedia Britannica

When war broke out the Polish Army was able to mobilize about 1,000,000 men, a fairly large number.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"In a fairly large number of minds in the Muslim community there is the feeling that we are not treated fairly.

The New York Times

"You have a fairly large number of non-primary-English speaking people that are in and about in the Village of Patchogue," he said.

The New York Times

"I have a feeling that there's probably a fairly large number of memorabilia corresponding with the big companies, like Pets.com, so there'll be a plentiful supply.

The New York Times

If you randomly assign a fairly large number of criminals, or patients, to one of two interventions and measure how well they're doing a year or so later, you discover which intervention is best.

The Guardian - Opinion

Known for its arts community and home to a fairly large number of American expatriates, it has cobblestone streets, a well-known cathedral and many popular galleries, shops and restaurants.

The New York Times - Travel

"A fairly large number of people from all three groups are still infected by the war and nationalism, and still looking for the kind of information that feeds those feelings," said Mr. Kopanja.

The New York Times

"We had a fairly large number of genes to name".

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, ensure that the context clarifies what constitutes "fairly large" for your specific subject. The term is relative and depends on the situation.

Common error

Avoid using "a fairly large number" when the actual quantity is insignificant or irrelevant. Ensure that the number genuinely matters to the point you are making.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a fairly large number" functions as a determiner phrase, modifying a noun to indicate an approximate but substantial quantity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used. Examples demonstrate its utility in various contexts, from describing populations to scientific measurements.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

55%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a fairly large number" is a versatile phrase used to indicate a noteworthy quantity without being precise. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and commonly found across diverse contexts, particularly in news, scientific publications, and encyclopedias. While alternatives like "a considerable number" or "a significant number" exist, the key is to ensure the quantity genuinely matters to the context. Use it to imply importance and prevalence without getting bogged down in exact figures.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a considerable number

Replaces 'fairly large' with 'considerable', suggesting a noteworthy amount.

a significant number

Emphasizes the importance or impact of the quantity.

a substantial number

Highlights the size and importance of the quantity.

a sizable number

Focuses on the considerable size of the group or quantity.

a good number

More informal alternative, suggesting a satisfactory quantity.

an appreciable number

Implies a quantity large enough to be noticed or measured.

a plentiful number

Suggests an abundant or more-than-sufficient quantity.

a healthy number

Similar to 'good number', implying a positive or sufficient quantity.

a respectable number

Indicates that the number is large enough to be worthy of respect or admiration.

a marked number

This means the amount is conspicuous.

FAQs

How can I use "a fairly large number" in a sentence?

You can use "a fairly large number" to indicate a quantity that is significant but not precisely defined. For example, "A fairly large number of students attended the lecture."

What are some alternatives to "a fairly large number"?

You can use alternatives like "a considerable number", "a significant number", or "a substantial number" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "a fairly large number" or a specific number?

It depends on the context. Use "a fairly large number" when the exact quantity is unknown or unimportant. If the specific number is known and relevant, it is better to use that instead.

What does "fairly large" mean in the context of "a fairly large number"?

"Fairly large" implies that the number is more than average or expected, but not necessarily enormous. It suggests a quantity that is noteworthy without being precisely quantified.