a fluctuating number

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a fluctuating number" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a quantity that varies or changes over time or under different conditions. Example: "The report indicated that there was a fluctuating number of visitors to the website throughout the year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

A fluctuating number of daily newspapers are published in Uganda.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The house was a clapboard five-bedroom bungalow with a fluctuating number of residents and one "filthy, filthy bathroom".

The New York Times

At 15, David formed his first band, the Kon-rads, a primitive rock'n'roll combo that contained a fluctuating number of members, including Underwood.

The Guardian - Music

There are now eight dedicated bands performing regularly and a fluctuating number of less serious groups in the city of about 26,000, and Mr. Martin's label, Cosmodemonic Telegraph, will release four new recordings this spring.

The New York Times

For the great majority of the city's life, a fluctuating number of these bridges, consisting of skiffs roped together and fastened to each bank, were one of the most picturesque signatures of Baghdad; no more permanent structure would be seen until the British arrived in the 20th century and laid an iron bridge across the Tigris.

The Guardian

A large percentage are recidivists who have been repeatedly convicted of grand larceny, one of the top index crimes in Manhattan, but the list also includes active gang members, people whom the D.A. considers "uncooperative witnesses," and a fluctuating number of violent "priority targets," which currently stands at 81.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Additionally, the fluctuating number of referrals and occasional closures of procedure rooms required the mathematical method to be stochastic.

Health Care Management Science

While early releases were marked by predictions of fluctuating numbers of genes, whose active transcription could only be confirmed for a fraction, the association of cDNAs with predicted genes was an important factor in the genome characterization effort.

Plosone

I couldn't take my eyes off the cruelly fluctuating numbers on the monitors, as though the sheer act of staring could influence the outcome.

The New Yorker

She has a hunch that others, attempting to make their own decisions about IRAs, 401 k)s, and their larger financial futures, might be similarly curious about the fluctuating numbers rolling across television screens.

Duke University

Because peccaries find themselves on the menu of many predators, they could have evolved to adjust their reproduction rate in response to fluctuating numbers of predators, Bodmer says.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a fluctuating number", specify the factors that cause the fluctuation to provide context and clarity for the reader. For example: "a fluctuating number of employees due to seasonal demands".

Common error

Avoid using "a fluctuating number" without providing any indication of what influences the fluctuation. This can leave the reader confused about the variability and its potential causes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a fluctuating number" functions as a noun phrase, acting as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence. It describes a quantity that is not fixed but varies. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a fluctuating number" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a quantity subject to change, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. While not extremely common, the phrase appears across diverse contexts, primarily in news, science, and encyclopedic sources. It's important to provide context when using this phrase to ensure clarity. Related phrases like "a variable quantity" or "a changing amount" can offer nuanced alternatives. When you are writing, don't forget to add what influences the fluctuation in order to make it more readable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a variable quantity

Emphasizes the changeable nature of the amount.

a changing amount

Focuses on the act of changing rather than the state of fluctuation.

a varying quantity

Similar to "a variable quantity" but with a slightly different nuance.

an unstable figure

Highlights the lack of fixity or reliability of the number.

a shifting number

Suggests movement or alteration in the numerical value.

a wavering amount

Implies an oscillating or unsteady quantity.

a mutable number

Indicates the capacity for change or alteration.

an inconsistent quantity

Highlights the lack of consistency or uniformity in the number.

a dynamic figure

Emphasizes the active and changing nature of the number.

a fluid amount

Suggests a smooth and continuous change in quantity.

FAQs

How can I use "a fluctuating number" in a sentence?

You can use "a fluctuating number" to describe a quantity that varies or changes over time or under different conditions. For example, "The report indicated that there was a fluctuating number of visitors to the website throughout the year".

What are some alternatives to "a fluctuating number"?

You can use alternatives like "a variable quantity", "a changing amount", or "an unstable figure" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "fluctuating number" or "variable number"?

Both "fluctuating number" and "variable number" are acceptable. "Fluctuating" emphasizes the change over time, while "variable" simply highlights the potential for different values. The best choice depends on the specific context.

What does "a fluctuating number" imply?

The phrase "a fluctuating number" implies that the quantity being described is not constant and is subject to change, often unpredictably, due to various influencing factors.