a fixed number of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a fixed number of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to an exact, predetermined quantity of something. For example, "The teacher only allowed a fixed number of students to take the exam early."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

You'll end up paying a fixed rate for a fixed number of years that's amortized.

Huffington Post

In contrast, Instagram agreed to a fixed number of shares rather than a fixed dollar value.

The New York Times

A fixed number of permits would be auctioned each year.

The Economist

The audience was comfortable, since the Bottom Line had a fixed number of seats and tables.

The New York Times - Arts

The free phones would have a fixed number of minutes of air time.

The New York Times

That is not always consistent with working a fixed number of hours".

The New York Times

Unlike traditional mutual funds, closed-end funds have a fixed number of outstanding shares.

The New York Times

Closed-end funds, which have a fixed number of shares, are traded throughout the day like stocks.

The New York Times

Avios divides the world into nine zones, each of which cost a fixed number of points to travel to.

The Guardian

Each region has a fixed number of seats to be won, with parties putting forward a list of candidates.

The Guardian

The schools are real, with a fixed number of children getting a good education in a safe environment.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a fixed number of", ensure the context clearly defines what the number refers to and why it is important. For example, instead of saying "There are a fixed number of employees", specify "There are a fixed number of 20 employees assigned to the project".

Common error

Avoid using "a fixed number of" when the quantity is variable or expected to change. Using it in such contexts can mislead readers or convey inaccurate information.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a fixed number of" functions as a determiner phrase, modifying a noun to specify a definite quantity. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used, as shown in the examples provided.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a fixed number of" is a grammatically sound and widely used phrase that specifies a definite quantity. As confirmed by Ludwig AI and supported by numerous examples from news, scientific, and encyclopedic sources, it serves to provide clarity and precision in writing. While versatile enough for neutral and even formal contexts, it's crucial to use it accurately, ensuring the quantity referred to is indeed fixed and not variable. Alternative phrases like "a set quantity of" or "a predetermined amount of" can offer subtle differences in emphasis, depending on the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a set quantity of

Replaces "fixed number" with "set quantity", emphasizing the established amount.

a predetermined amount of

Uses "predetermined" to highlight that the quantity was decided in advance.

a specific quantity of

Replaces "fixed" with "specific", focusing on the particularity of the amount.

a defined number of

Substitutes "fixed" with "defined", indicating a clear and established value.

an exact quantity of

Emphasizes the precision of the quantity using "exact".

a limited number of

Focuses on the restriction of the quantity using "limited".

a finite number of

Highlights the boundedness of the quantity using "finite".

a given quantity of

Uses "given" to indicate the quantity is already known or established.

a precise amount of

Emphasizes accuracy by using "precise" instead of "fixed".

a known quantity of

Indicates that the amount is already recognized or discovered.

FAQs

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

You can use "a fixed number of" to indicate a specific, predetermined quantity. For instance, "The company offers "a fixed number of vacation days" each year".

What are some alternatives to "a fixed number of"?

Alternatives include "a set quantity of", "a predetermined amount of", or "a specific quantity of" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "a fixed number of" in formal writing?

Yes, "a fixed number of" is suitable for formal writing. It's a clear and professional way to express that a quantity is predetermined or unchangeable.

What's the difference between "a fixed number of" and "a limited number of"?

"A fixed number of" indicates a precise quantity, while "a limited number of" suggests that the quantity is restricted, but not necessarily precisely defined. The latter implies scarcity or restriction, whereas the former emphasizes a specific, unchanging amount.