a growing number of

USAGE SUMMARY

"a growing number of" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to refer to an increasing amount of something. For example, "A growing number of parents are choosing to homeschool their children during the pandemic."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A growing number of people are.

The New York Times

A growing number of people believe him.

The New York Times - Tech

A growing number of services provide this.

The Economist

There's a growing number of others.

The New York Times

A growing number of homes were abandoned.

The Washington Post

A growing number of British M.P.s don't.

The New York Times

A growing number of police chiefs are making that point.

The Guardian

And why are a growing number of Muslims being victimised?

The Guardian - Opinion

A growing number of consumers are paying just that — nothing.

The New York Times - Tech

A growing number of consumers appear to share his interest.

The New York Times

A growing number of inns do the same.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a growing number of", ensure that the noun following "of" is plural. For example, "A growing number of students" is correct, while "A growing number of student" is incorrect.

Common error

Avoid using a singular noun after "a growing number of". The phrase indicates an increase in multiple entities, so a plural noun is necessary. For example, instead of "A growing number of person", use "A growing number of people".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a growing number of" functions as a determiner followed by a noun phrase. It modifies the noun, indicating an increasing quantity or amount. As evidenced by Ludwig's AI analysis, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

12%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a growing number of" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to indicate an increase in quantity. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is a correct and widely accepted expression in English. Predominantly found in news and media, it also appears in academic contexts. When employing this phrase, ensure that the following noun is plural. Related phrases include "an increasing quantity of" and "a rising proportion of", offering stylistic alternatives. This phrase is a strong tool for illustrating trends and shifts in a variety of subjects.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an increasing quantity of

Focuses on the rising amount rather than the people or things involved.

a rising proportion of

Highlights the escalating percentage or ratio within a larger group.

an expanding array of

Emphasizes the widening selection or variety of options.

a mounting accumulation of

Suggests a gradual build-up, often implying something negative or overwhelming.

a burgeoning collection of

Implies rapid and vigorous growth, often used in a positive context.

a swelling tide of

Conveys a powerful and unstoppable increase, like a rising flood.

a proliferating incidence of

Highlights the increasing occurrence or spread of something, often negative.

a mushrooming presence of

Suggests a sudden and rapid emergence or spread.

an escalating count of

Emphasizes a steady and often alarming increase in numbers.

a quickening tempo of

Focuses on the increasing speed or pace at which something is happening.

FAQs

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

You can use "a growing number of" to indicate an increasing quantity of something. For example, "A growing number of students are applying to universities online".

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

Alternatives include phrases like "an increasing quantity of", "a rising proportion of", or "an expanding array of", depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "a growing number is"?

No, it is not grammatically correct. Because "number" refers to multiple entities, you should use "a growing number of" followed by a plural noun and a plural verb form. For instance, "a growing number of people are" is the correct form.

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

"A growing number of" refers to an increasing quantity of something in general, whereas "the growing number of" refers to a specific and already identified quantity that is increasing. For example, "A growing number of cars are electric" (general) versus "The growing number of electric cars is impacting gas sales" (specific).