a generous number of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a generous number of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a quantity that is considered ample or more than sufficient in a positive context. Example: "The event attracted a generous number of attendees, exceeding our expectations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

The prize is a generous number of euros and a bespoke suit from Turin proper.

The New Yorker

The best thing about this exhibition is that it includes a generous number of Picasso's works.

The Guardian - Arts

Inside, all of the apartments have features like open floor plans, a generous number of windows, marble and slate finishes, a washer and dryer, and direct Internet access.

The New York Times

A week ago, at a party for elderly residents given by parents, a display of the school administration building was decorated with a generous number of toy rats.

The New York Times

The calamari salad had a generous number of tender, crisp ringlets tossed with arugula and radicchio in a black sesame seed vinaigrette.

The New York Times

The writers are ruthless: characters are developed over a generous number of episodes, only to be brutally killed off as the man-eating behemoths attack.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

The majority of awards for the Battle of Romani went to British troops, including a generous number to officers of Murray's staff.

Wikipedia

Does the bottle, skinny as a fashion editor and stamped with a big block A, justify $11? I'd say no, but I'd say yes to the wine list, which has a surprisingly generous number of wines under $50.

The New York Times - Food

Of course it's funny and inventive – this is Gaiman we're talking about – but without the extremely generous number of detailed illustrations, Fortunately, the Milk would be a mighty thin book and the story thinner still.

The Guardian - Books

The Goan prawn curry was pretty, with black mustard seed dotting the red-orange sauce, and well balanced, too, with the addition of vinegar to its base of coconut, green chilies and coriander; the generous number of crustaceans in the curry was also pleasing.

The New York Times

The owner is from Jeolla-do, the province of Korea known for their generous number of side dishes and the subtle flavors of their food.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a generous number of" to positively emphasize that there is more than enough of something, especially when you want to highlight abundance or plentifulness. For example, "The charity received a generous number of donations this year."

Common error

Avoid using "a generous number of" when describing something negative or undesirable. The phrase implies a positive abundance, so it's unsuitable for describing problems or shortages. For example, instead of saying "The company faced a generous number of complaints", try "The company faced a significant number of complaints."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a generous number of" functions as a determiner phrase, specifically quantifying a noun in a positive and abundant manner. It modifies the noun, indicating that the quantity is more than sufficient. Ludwig AI confirms the grammatical correctness of this phrase.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a generous number of" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase to express that there is an ample or abundant quantity of something. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and provides real-world examples across various sources. While it appears most frequently in news and media contexts, it can also be found in scientific and wiki sources. When using this phrase, ensure that the context is positive, emphasizing the beneficial aspect of the plentiful amount. For alternative phrasing, consider "a substantial quantity of" or "a considerable amount of" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a substantial quantity of

Replaces "number" with "quantity", emphasizing amount rather than count.

a considerable amount of

Focuses on the magnitude rather than the precise count.

a significant portion of

Highlights that the number represents a notable fraction.

an ample supply of

Suggests a sufficient or more than adequate provision.

a plentiful array of

Emphasizes variety and abundance.

a rich selection of

Highlights the quality and diversity of the items.

a good deal of

Indicates a large quantity in a more informal tone.

a fair amount of

Suggests a reasonable and satisfactory quantity.

a large measure of

Emphasizes the extent or degree of something.

an abundance of

Highlights a great or plentiful supply.

FAQs

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

Use "a generous number of" to indicate that there is a plentiful or abundant quantity of something. For example, "The museum received "a generous number of artifacts" this year."

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

You can use alternatives such as "a substantial quantity of", "a considerable amount of", or "an ample supply of" depending on the context.

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

Yes, "a generous number of" is suitable for formal writing. It conveys a sense of abundance and is grammatically correct. It can be replaced with options such as "a substantial quantity of" when writing for a formal audience.

What's the difference between "a generous number of" and "a large number of"?

"A generous number of" implies a positive abundance or plentifulness, while "a large number of" simply indicates a big quantity without necessarily conveying a positive connotation. If emphasizing a positive surplus is desired, use "a generous number of"; otherwise, "a large number of" is more neutral.