The phrase "a number of clashes" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to multiple conflicts or disagreements that have occurred.
Example: "The report highlighted a number of clashes between the two rival factions during the protest."
Alternatives: "several conflicts" or "multiple confrontations".
Last year, around the US, there were a number of clashes over seasonal displays.
In a number of clashes, the French killed more than 50 people.
In Turkey, May Day protests have often been violent in the past, and a number of clashes were reported Friday.
There were a number of clashes between protesters and police at the march, when protesters moved uptown from their base at a park in the Financial District.
The Birmingham demonstration was organized by EDL and violent disorder with a number of clashes between EDL supporters, anti-fascist protesters and police was reported in the press.
The former minister has had a number of clashes with environmental campaigners during his time in office, criticising what he called "the Green Blob" after his sacking.
One man has been arrested and a number of coaches damaged in a clash between fascist and anti-fascist protesters who stopped at the same motorway services on their way to opposing demonstrations in Dover.
A number of their clashes were over Mr. Berlusconi's European policy.
They exercised considerable influence on the public and were a contributing factor in a number of armed clashes in Berlin.
While videos of these weapons being used in the Aleppo region are still quite rare, their use in Hama and Idlib appear to have coincided with a number of major clashes in those regions.
The draw, made in Paris today, has thrown up a number of intriguing clashes, with the Magners League champions, Munster, set to face the French champions, Perpignan, in Pool One, and this year's beaten Heineken Cup finalists, Leicester, up against the Ospreys in Pool Three.
