a larger number of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a larger number of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to express an increased amount or more of something than what was previously mentioned. For example, "The store has a larger number of new toys this year than last year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There are a larger number of veins.

Encyclopedia Britannica

With good regularity, counties with a larger number of Bush votes also produced a larger number of Buchanan votes.

The New York Times - Science

That was because of a larger number of shares outstanding.

The New York Times

A higher resolution represents a larger number of grids.

Journal of Hydrology

Can the two programs co-exist peacefully, bringing robotics competitions to a larger number of schools?

The New York Times - Tech

In the first place a larger number of foreign tourists were present.

The New Yorker

In a 20-minute session, a larger number of aides on both sides attended.

The New York Times

Right now, there are a larger number of genuinely good teams in the East.

The Guardian - Sport

Or is it more that social networking allows us to maintain a larger number of friends?

The Guardian - Money

Environmental groups want the cap removed so that a larger number of homeowners will be compensated.

The New York Times

Congress officials contend the conference should be opened up to a larger number of unaffiliated exiles.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context. While "a larger number of" is generally applicable, more specific phrases like "a greater quantity of" or "a higher proportion of" may be more precise in certain situations.

Common error

Avoid using "a larger number of" without specifying what the number is being compared to. For example, instead of saying "A larger number of people attended", say "A larger number of people attended this year compared to last year."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a larger number of" functions as a determiner phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a greater quantity. Ludwig shows its usage in various contexts, confirming its grammatical correctness and versatility. It is used to quantify and compare amounts across different domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a larger number of" is a versatile and grammatically correct phrase used to indicate a greater quantity or amount. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and wide applicability. It is frequently found in news, scientific, and academic contexts. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying what the comparison is being made to. Consider alternative phrases like "a greater quantity of" or "a higher proportion of" for more specific contexts to improve your writing. By understanding its nuances and potential pitfalls, you can effectively incorporate "a larger number of" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a greater quantity of

Emphasizes the amount or volume, shifting focus from the count to the measure.

an increased amount of

Focuses on the change in quantity, suggesting a growth or rise in number.

a higher volume of

Highlights the capacity or space occupied, useful when dealing with fluids or abstract concepts.

a substantial quantity of

Implies a noteworthy or considerable amount, suitable for emphasizing importance.

a more significant portion of

Indicates a relative size or share, suitable when comparing parts to a whole.

a greater incidence of

Indicates a higher rate of occurrence, useful when discussing events or phenomena.

a majority of

Suggests more than half, used to express dominance in quantity.

a wider array of

Shifts the emphasis to variety or diversity, rather than just quantity.

a more extensive range of

Highlights the breadth or scope of options, rather than the count itself.

a richer selection of

Implies a higher quality or more diverse assortment, rather than sheer number.

FAQs

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

Use "a larger number of" to indicate a greater quantity or amount compared to something else. For example, "There are a larger number of students enrolled this year than last year."

What's a more formal way to say "a larger number of"?

For a more formal tone, you could use phrases like "a greater quantity of" or "a higher proportion of" depending on the specific context.

Is it ever incorrect to use "a larger number of"?

While generally correct, using "a larger number of" can be vague. Ensure you're providing a clear comparison or context to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives like "a greater quantity of" if it's more fitting.

What alternatives can I use instead of "a larger number of" to vary my writing?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "a greater amount of", "a higher volume of", or "an increased amount of" to add variety to your writing.