a good number

USAGE SUMMARY

"a good number" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to a quantity that is satisfactory or acceptable. For example, "A good number of people have already signed up for the workshop".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

It's a good number".

The New York Times

"There isn't a good number.

The New York Times

A good number of you have read.

Yale University

A good number is close to 100 percent.

The New York Times

There were a good number of writers.

The Guardian - Books

A good number have university degrees.

The New York Times

"Seven is a good number," he added.

The New York Times - Science

A good number of you, not — yeah, some of you.

Yale University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

A good number are veterans.

The New Yorker

Visit a good number of pediatricians.

WikiHow

Thirteen is a good number.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a good number" to avoid being too specific when the exact quantity is unknown or unimportant.

Common error

Avoid using "a good number" excessively in formal or scientific writing where precise figures or more formal synonyms like "a significant quantity" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a good number" functions as a determiner phrase. It quantifies a noun, indicating that the amount or quantity is satisfactory or considerable. As evidenced by Ludwig, it's used to express that there's a sufficient quantity without needing a precise figure.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Academia

14%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Science

12%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a good number" is a versatile phrase used to indicate a satisfactory quantity without specifying an exact figure. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. It is commonly found in news, media, academia and Wiki contexts. While generally neutral in tone, it's essential to consider the audience and context, opting for more precise language in formal or scientific writing. When a general yet appreciable amount is needed, "a good number" is an appropriate choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a considerable quantity

Emphasizes the size or amount being noteworthy.

a significant amount

Highlights the importance or impact of the quantity.

a substantial portion

Focuses on the part or share being significant.

a fair amount

Indicates a reasonable or acceptable quantity.

a decent quantity

Implies the quantity meets a minimum acceptable standard.

quite a few

An informal way to suggest 'more than a few'.

a respectable quantity

Suggests the amount is worthy of respect or admiration.

a healthy quantity

Emphasizes the positive or beneficial nature of the amount.

a plentiful amount

Implies an abundance or surplus of the quantity.

a reasonable quantity

Suggests the quantity is appropriate or justified.

FAQs

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

You can use "a good number" to indicate that there is a satisfactory or considerable amount of something. For example, "A good number of students attended the lecture."

What phrases are similar to "a good number"?

Similar phrases include "a significant amount", "a considerable quantity", or "a substantial portion", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "a good number" or specify the exact number?

It depends on the context. If the exact number is known and relevant, it's better to specify it. If the exact number is unknown or unimportant, "a good number" is appropriate.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use "a good number"?

"A good number" is appropriate in general writing, news articles, and informal communication. It is less suitable for formal reports or scientific papers where precision is required.