a number of changes have

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'a number of changes have' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate that several changes have been made or have happened. For example: "Over the past year, a number of changes have been implemented in order to make the business operate more efficiently."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

A number of changes have been made since then.

The New York Times

But since those days, a number of changes have complicated philanthropy of this sort.

The New York Times - Arts

Since announcing a review of where its HQ is based, a number of changes have been made.

The Guardian - Business

As a result of this, a number of changes have been made to the original version of this Article.

Nature

In my edition of Evelyn Waugh's Decline and Fall, a note explains that a number of changes have been made to the text of 1926, "pine-apple" is now "pineapple", "some-one's" is "someone's".

The Guardian - Opinion

A number of changes have reportedly received support from the major parties in the lower house and will be put to senators this week, with a view to beginning the works over the summer.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

By the time the audit was produced, a number of changes had already begun.

The New York Times

The following month, Ms. Morris noticed that a number of changes had been made to the record of a trip Mr. Pruitt had taken to Italy.

The New York Times

He said a number of changes had been made, including a confidential support line, a "female focus" officer attached to each unit to provide advice, and better awareness of how to make complaints.

The Guardian

Already by 1998, a number of changes had been made [ 18], and surgery for the bilateral and unilateral repair of both IH and FH had been listed among the procedures that could be handled in a DS setting.

BMC Health Services Research

In addition, the Dutch translation was compared with the translation of the Symptom Checklist-90 and the definitive translation was then adopted after a number of changes had been made [ 57].

BMC Psychiatry

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a number of changes have", ensure the context clearly indicates what the changes are and why they were made. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a number of changes have" without specifying what those changes are. Always provide context or details to ensure your writing is informative.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a number of changes have" functions as a statement indicating that multiple modifications or alterations have been made. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It generally introduces information about revisions or improvements.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a number of changes have" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to signal the occurrence of multiple alterations. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is best used when followed by specifics about the changes themselves, maintaining clarity and informativeness. The phrase is versatile across various registers, with notable prevalence in news, scientific publications, and business communications. While alternatives like "several changes have occurred" or "various modifications have been implemented" exist, the core message remains consistent: modifications have transpired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

several changes have occurred

Replaces "a number of" with "several", indicating multiple changes have taken place.

numerous alterations have been made

Substitutes "changes" with "alterations" and uses the passive voice, emphasizing the act of making changes.

various modifications have been implemented

Replaces "changes" with "modifications" and "made" with "implemented", focusing on the execution of changes.

several adjustments were implemented

Expresses the same idea in the past tense and replaces "changes" with "adjustments."

multiple revisions have taken place

Uses "revisions" instead of "changes", suggesting that the changes were intended to improve something.

certain adjustments have been effected

Employs "adjustments" and "effected" for a more formal tone, emphasizing the accomplishment of the changes.

many transformations have transpired

Replaces "changes" with "transformations", suggesting significant or dramatic alterations.

a series of modifications have been carried out

Uses "series of modifications" and "carried out", emphasizing the process of making changes.

a range of amendments have been adopted

Substitutes "changes" with "amendments", implying changes made to a formal document or system, and emphasizes their acceptance.

many things have changed

Simplifies the sentence using a direct verb change instead of the more formal "a number of changes have".

FAQs

How can I use "a number of changes have" in a sentence?

You can use "a number of changes have" to introduce the fact that several modifications or alterations have occurred. For instance, "A number of changes have been made to the policy to improve its effectiveness".

What are some alternatives to saying "a number of changes have"?

Alternatives include "several changes have occurred", "numerous alterations have been made", or "various modifications have been implemented", depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "a number of changes have"?

The choice depends on the desired emphasis. Active voice (e.g., "The team made a number of changes") emphasizes the actor, while passive voice (e.g., "A number of changes have been made") emphasizes the changes themselves. The latter is often preferred when the actor is unimportant or unknown.

What's the difference between "a number of changes have" and "several changes have"?

The difference is subtle. "A number of" is a more general quantifier, while "several" implies a more specific, though still indefinite, quantity. In most contexts, they are interchangeable.