a high number

USAGE SUMMARY

"a high number" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is commonly used when describing a quantity or amount that is larger than average or expected. Example: The company reported a high number of sales this quarter, exceeding their projections by 20%. In this sentence, "a high number" is used to indicate that the number of sales was greater than expected or typical for the company. It provides a specific and measurable description of the quantity being discussed. Other examples of when this phrase may be used include discussing unemployment rates, population growth, or exam scores.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's a high number.

The Guardian - Sport

Blow!" to wish away a high number.

The New Yorker

"I seem to throw in a high number every year.

The Guardian - Sport

Officers in this unit logged a high number of complaints.

The Guardian

"Maryland has a high number of mandated benefits.

The New York Times

It has a high number of affordable homes.

The Guardian

A high number of people there suffer from ulcers.

The New Yorker

Europe is facing a high number of crises.

The Washington Post

"A high number for us is 4,000.

The New York Times

The school has a high number of unvaccinated children.

The Washington Post

The casualties included a high number of women and children.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a high number", ensure the context makes clear what constitutes 'high'. For instance, specify 'a high number of applicants for a small company'.

Common error

Avoid using "a high number" without providing context or comparison. Saying "a high number of errors" is less effective than "a high number of errors compared to the previous audit".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a high number" functions as a determiner phrase, modifying a noun to indicate that the quantity is significant. Ludwig's examples showcase its use in various contexts to describe quantities exceeding expectations or norms.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

39%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a high number" is a common and grammatically correct way to indicate a quantity is significantly above average or expected. As Ludwig AI highlights, its usage spans various contexts, including news, science, and academic writing. To ensure clarity, provide context to define what constitutes “high” in your specific scenario. While alternatives like "a large quantity" or "a significant amount" exist, "a high number" specifically implies a relative elevation compared to a norm. Remember to be specific to give more informative content.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a large quantity

Emphasizes the amount or volume, suggesting a considerable quantity is present.

a significant amount

Highlights the importance or impact of the quantity, not just its size.

a considerable quantity

Indicates that the amount is worthy of attention or thought.

a great deal

More informal, suggesting a substantial but not necessarily precisely measured quantity.

an abundance

Implies a plentiful or overflowing quantity.

a profusion

Suggests a lavish or extravagant quantity, often in a visual sense.

a multitude

Emphasizes the numerous or varied nature of the items being counted.

numerous instances

Focuses on the repeated occurrence rather than the aggregate quantity.

substantial figures

Used when referring to numerical data, highlighting the significant size of the numbers.

a plethora

Indicates an excessive or overwhelming quantity, often implying a surplus.

FAQs

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

You can use "a high number" to describe a quantity that is significantly above average or expected. For example, "The study revealed "a high number" of participants reporting side effects".

What are some alternatives to "a high number"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "a high number" include "a large quantity", "a significant amount", or "numerous instances".

Is it more effective to use "a high number" or a specific numerical value?

Using a specific numerical value is often more effective for clarity. However, "a high number" can be useful when the exact value is unknown or less important than the general magnitude.

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

While similar, "a high number" implies that the quantity is elevated relative to a norm or expectation, whereas "a large number" simply indicates a considerable quantity without necessarily suggesting it's unusual.