a number of cases

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a number of cases" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to multiple instances or examples of something, often in a formal or academic context. Example: "In the study, a number of cases were analyzed to determine the effectiveness of the treatment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This required changing providers in a number of cases.

The New York Times - Tech

There were a number of cases of flu.

The New Yorker

A number of cases have been reviewed by nonpolitical prosecutors.

The New York Times

This principle has been followed in a number of cases.

Cornell University

It has received this interpretation in a number of cases.

Cornell University

We did that in a number of cases.

Stanford University

There have been a number of cases over the years.

The Washington Post

"I've considered using it in a number of cases".

The New York Times

"In a number of cases, it's not worth the dollar invested".

The New York Times

"We are able to confirm that we are looking into a number of cases.

The Guardian

Cites a number of cases; reasons for disappearing; how they are found, etc. Capt.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid overuse of "a number of cases" in close proximity within your writing; vary your phrasing by using synonyms like "several instances" or "multiple examples" for better readability.

Common error

Avoid using "a number of cases" without specifying what these cases are. Always provide enough context so the reader understands what you are referring to; otherwise, the phrase becomes meaningless.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a number of cases" functions as a determiner phrase followed by a noun. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It is typically used to indicate that there are several instances or examples of something being discussed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Academia

22%

Science

19%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a number of cases" is a versatile expression used to denote multiple instances or examples. Ludwig AI confirms it's grammatically sound and widely applicable across various domains, including news, academia, and science. While the phrase is generally neutral, it's advisable to ensure that the context provides sufficient clarity regarding the cases being referenced. For enhanced writing, consider synonyms like "several instances" or "multiple examples" to avoid repetition. Remember to always provide enough context to the cases mentioned to maintain clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Several instances

Uses "several" instead of "a number of", indicating more than two but not many.

Multiple examples

Replaces "cases" with "examples", focusing on instances that illustrate a point.

Numerous occurrences

Emphasizes the high quantity of events with "numerous" instead of "a number of".

Many situations

Replaces "a number" with "many", which is a more direct way to indicate quantity.

Various situations

Substitutes "cases" with "situations", referring to different sets of circumstances.

A multitude of instances

Uses "a multitude" to convey a large quantity and "instances" in place of "cases".

A series of events

Frames the cases as a sequence of occurrences.

Some incidents

Refers to specific events that have happened, using "incidents" instead of "cases".

Several episodes

Similar to instances but often refers to specific events that are part of a larger narrative or series.

Plenty of situations

Indicates an abundant amount of circumstances or events.

FAQs

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

You can use "a number of cases" to refer to multiple instances or examples, such as, "In the study, "a number of cases" were analyzed to determine the effectiveness of the treatment."

What can I say instead of "a number of cases"?

You can use alternatives like "several instances", "multiple examples", or "numerous occurrences" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "a number of cases" or "several cases"?

Both "a number of cases" and "several cases" are correct, but "several cases" might be preferred in more informal contexts due to its simplicity. The choice depends on the desired level of formality.

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

"A number of cases" indicates that you are referring to multiple unspecified instances. "The number of cases" refers to a specific quantity that is already known or being discussed. For example, "The number of cases reported this year has increased."