a number of applications

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'a number of applications' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe a group of applications. Example sentence: I sent out a number of applications for different jobs, but I have not received a response from any of them yet.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Scanbuy and other scan-commerce entrepreneurs have launched a number of applications in North America.

The New York Times - Tech

The European consortium has decided to focus on a number of applications.

The Guardian

Linear α-olefins have a number of applications, including the preparation of linear low-density polyethylene.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The spongy fruit also has a number of applications as an industrial filter.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Lavender is sometimes also used to flavour beverages and sweets and has a number of applications in herbal medicine.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But if it performs as well as expected, Dr Coleman's mathematically gifted chip could have a number of applications.

The Economist

This pattern has a number of applications.

EPJ Data Science

This fact has a number of applications.

Journal of Functional Analysis

A number of applications are also described.

Journal of Chromatography B

There are a number of applications that would appear.

Forbes

There is a number of applications for this task.

EURASIP Journal on Image and Video Processing

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a number of applications", ensure the context clearly specifies whether you are referring to software applications, job applications, or other types of applications. For clarity, add a descriptor after the phrase, such as "a number of software applications".

Common error

Avoid using "a number of application" as 'application' should always be pluralized to 'applications' when preceded by 'a number of'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a number of applications" functions as a determiner phrase followed by a plural noun. It modifies a noun to indicate that there are multiple instances or uses of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

41%

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a number of applications" is a grammatically sound and versatile expression used to denote multiple uses, implementations, or requests. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It appears most frequently in scientific and news contexts, with a neutral to formal register. When writing, ensure clarity by specifying what kind of applications are being discussed. Alternatives like "several uses" or "various functionalities" can be used depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

many uses

A simpler, more direct way to express a high quantity of uses.

several uses

Focuses on the quantity of uses rather than a formal request or system.

various functionalities

Highlights the different functions available.

a multitude of uses

Indicates a very large quantity of uses, more emphatic.

multiple implementations

Emphasizes different ways something is put into practice.

diverse range of functionalities

Highlights the variety and scope of the functions.

numerous requests

Specifically refers to the act of asking for something.

various utilizations

Formal and emphasizes the act of using something in different ways.

several requests

Focuses on the act of asking for something in multiple instances.

multiple demands

Refers to things that are claimed as a right or due.

FAQs

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

You can use "a number of applications" to indicate that something has multiple uses or that there are many requests for something. For example: "This technology has "a number of applications" in medicine".

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

Some alternatives include "several uses", "various functionalities", or "multiple implementations", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use "a number of applications" or "many applications"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "a number of applications" can sound more formal. "Many applications" is more direct and may be preferred in informal contexts.

When should I use "a number of applications" versus "the number of applications"?

"A number of applications" indicates a quantity of applications, whereas "the number of applications" refers to a specific, countable figure. For example: "A number of applications were received" vs. "The number of applications received was 500".