a number of apps

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a number of apps" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to multiple applications, typically in the context of technology or software. Example: "There are a number of apps available for improving productivity and time management."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Dubble iOS; free A number of apps help you to create double exposures.

The Guardian - Tech

A number of apps for Android phones also promise enhanced spam text filtering.

The New York Times

There are now a number of apps that promise to secure communications.

The New York Times

There are a number of apps that allow users to download maps for offline use.

The New York Times

A number of apps and third-party services offer this service.

The Guardian

Sandholm and co have developed a number of apps that work with the new prototype.

MIT Technology Review

A number of apps offer reporting functionality and reminders about late invoices, which could be your lifeline in quieter periods.

The Guardian

Sunrise Calendar (Free) A number of apps companies are trying to reimagine iPhone's Calendar, with Sunrise the best so far.

The Guardian - Tech

At the end of two weeks, the students had built a number of apps related to water.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

There have been a number of apps since then that billed themselves as a business-card killer.

The Guardian

A number of apps, such as InstaDM, InstaChat and InstaMessage, have been created on the back of the premise of sending private messages to Instagram contacts.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the functionality, consider specifying the platform (e.g., iOS, Android) to which the "a number of apps" are related for better clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "a number of apps" without providing context about their purpose or function. Add details to clarify what these apps do or the problems they solve.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a number of apps" functions as a determiner phrase followed by a plural noun. It indicates that there is more than one app without specifying an exact quantity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and commonly used in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Academia

10%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a number of apps" is a common and grammatically correct way to indicate the existence of multiple applications, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It functions as a determiner phrase followed by a plural noun. It's versatile enough for neutral contexts, particularly in news and media, and academic writing. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying the apps' purpose or platform. Alternatives include "several applications" or "various apps". The phrase's high frequency and consistent usage in authoritative sources suggest it's a reliable and effective way to communicate the availability of multiple apps.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

several applications

Replaces "number" with "several", a synonym indicating more than two but not a large amount. More formal.

various apps

Uses "various" instead of "a number of", suggesting diversity among the applications.

multiple apps

Replaces "a number of" with "multiple", emphasizing the fact that there are more than one app.

many apps

Substitutes "a number of" with "many", indicating a large quantity of applications.

numerous apps

A more formal synonym for "a number of", indicating a considerable quantity.

a range of apps

Emphasizes the variety and diversity of the apps available.

a selection of apps

Highlights the idea that the apps are chosen from a larger set.

a plethora of apps

Implies a very large and possibly overwhelming number of applications. More informal and emphatic.

quite a few apps

A more informal way to indicate a noticeable quantity of applications.

a multitude of apps

Similar to "plethora", suggesting a very large number of applications.

FAQs

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

You can use "a number of apps" to indicate that there are multiple applications available for a specific purpose, such as "There are "a number of apps" that can help you manage your finances".

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

Alternatives include "several apps", "various apps", "multiple apps", or "many apps", depending on the context and the desired level of formality.

Is it grammatically correct to say "a number of apps is"?

No, it should be "a number of apps are" because "number" refers to a plural quantity in this context.

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

"A number of apps" implies there are several apps, whereas "the number of apps" refers to a specific, countable quantity. For example, "A number of apps can track your steps", versus "The number of apps available is growing daily".