a number of

USAGE SUMMARY

"a number of" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is used to refer to a quantity that is not exact and is usually used when talking about a group of people or things. For example: "A number of students have chosen to take part in the school's summer program."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"A number of things.

The New York Times - Sports

A number of reasons.

The New York Times

A number of hurdles remain.

The Economist

A number of them St.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A number of successes followed.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A number of cars honked.

The New Yorker

Presents a number of counterproofs.

The New Yorker

"Just a number of questions.

The New York Times

But a number of L.D.F.

The New York Times

Cites a number of incidents.

The New Yorker

A number of good ideas.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a number of" when you want to indicate an indefinite quantity that is more than a few but not overwhelmingly large. This provides a more nuanced expression than simply using "some" or "many".

Common error

Be mindful of subject-verb agreement. Although "number" is singular, when preceded by "a", it usually refers to a plural concept. Therefore, use a plural verb: "A number of students were present", not "A number of students was present".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a number of" functions as a determiner or quantifier, specifying an indefinite but relatively significant quantity. It precedes a plural noun, indicating that there are multiple instances of that noun. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and commonly used phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Encyclopedias

19%

Science

18%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a number of" is a versatile phrase used to indicate an indefinite quantity greater than a few. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage across various contexts. It functions as a determiner, preceding a plural noun, and its tone is generally neutral, making it suitable for both formal and informal settings. Remember to use a plural verb after the phrase to maintain grammatical accuracy. Consider using alternatives such as "several" or "many" depending on the desired nuance. Ludwig examples demonstrate that this phrase is most frequently encountered in news, encyclopedia, and science-related content. Therefore, understanding its function and proper usage is essential for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

several

Replaces the entire phrase with a single word indicating 'more than two but not many'.

numerous

A more formal synonym emphasizing a large quantity.

various

Indicates a diverse range or assortment, emphasizing variety rather than just quantity.

a multitude of

A more emphatic way to convey a large quantity.

many

A simpler and more direct way to express a large quantity.

a range of

Implies a spectrum or variety within a set quantity.

a quantity of

Focuses on the amount or measure, suitable for uncountable nouns as well.

a selection of

Highlights the act of choosing from a larger group, rather than just the quantity itself.

a few

Indicates a small quantity, contrasting with the more general quantity implied by the query.

some

A general term indicating an unspecified quantity.

FAQs

How do you use "a number of" in a sentence?

"A number of" is used to indicate an indefinite quantity that is more than two. For example, "A number of people attended the meeting."

What phrases can replace "a number of"?

Alternatives to "a number of" include "several", "many", or "numerous", depending on the desired level of formality and the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "the number of" instead of "a number of"?

Yes, but the grammatical construction differs. "The number of" takes a singular verb because "number" is singular and definite, while "a number of" often implies a plural sense and takes a plural verb.

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

While both indicate quantity, "a number of" is less direct than ""many"" and can sometimes imply a slightly smaller quantity or a more formal tone. The choice often depends on the desired emphasis and style.