a number of components

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a number of components" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to multiple parts or elements that make up a whole, often in technical or descriptive contexts. Example: "The machine consists of a number of components that work together to ensure optimal performance."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"And it's made up of a number of components.

The New York Times

Just think about a taco as having a number of components, and take it from there.

The New York Times - Food

A number of components of the high-pressure compressor, for example, were virtually unchanged from a previous engine generation.

Harvard Business Review

Created with a bequest of property by an anonymous donor, estimated at $2.5 million in value, the fund includes a number of components.

University of California, Berkeley

There are a number of components of visual design that are universal across subject domain, including: composition, abstraction, coloring, and layering.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The workflows are passed through a number of components including a parser, interpreter, and a service called job manager.

Computers & Graphics

That means decomposing the simulation model into a number of components and to properly allocate them on the execution units.

Simulation Modelling Practice and Theory

Mr. Bellini explained that unlike a window air-conditioner -- which has all of its component parts packed into one unit -- a central air-conditioning system typically consists of a number of components installed in various places.

The New York Times

The third year, the joint venture invested in local Russian production of a number of components such as test tubes and small bottles and so began expanding into its Western partner's areas of expertise.

Harvard Business Review

British and French producers import a number of components needed to assemble fighter jets or tanks from other E.U. countries, including Denmark and Germany, with the latter still being home to one of the world's largest arms manufacturing industries.

The Washington Post

It had a number of components to it.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure that when using this phrase, the context makes it clear what these "components" are and how they contribute to the overall function or structure being described.

Common error

Avoid using "a number of components" without specifying what those components are. Providing specific examples or categories of components makes your writing more informative and less ambiguous.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a number of components" functions as a determiner phrase followed by a plural noun, modifying a noun or noun phrase to indicate that it comprises multiple parts or elements. As Ludwig AI states, it is usable in written english, as confirmed from the provided examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

52%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

13%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a number of components" is a common and grammatically correct way to express that something is made up of multiple parts or elements. Ludwig AI validates its usability in written English. It is widely used across various domains, including science, news, and formal writing. While it doesn't specify the individual components, it emphasizes complexity and multiplicity. When using this phrase, it's helpful to provide context or examples of the components to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives include "several components" or "various elements", offering similar meanings with subtle differences in tone or emphasis. Overall, it is a versatile phrase for describing systems, processes, and complex entities.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

several components

Replaces "a number of" with "several", indicating a few but not many.

various elements

Substitutes "components" with "elements", suggesting fundamental parts.

multiple parts

Uses "parts" instead of "components", focusing on the physical divisions.

numerous constituents

Replaces "a number of" with "numerous" and "components" with "constituents", adding a slightly more formal tone.

diverse features

Emphasizes the variety within the components, focusing on distinct attributes.

assorted aspects

Highlights different facets or perspectives of a subject.

different pieces

Uses more informal language to refer to separate parts.

several ingredients

Implies combination or mixing of items to create something new.

manifold dimensions

Emphasizes the multiple layers and complexities involved.

composite factors

Focuses on items that combine to affect a process.

FAQs

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

You can use "a number of components" to describe something that is made up of several parts. For example, "The engine consists of "a number of components", including pistons, valves, and a crankshaft."

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

Alternatives include "several components", "various elements", "multiple parts", or "numerous constituents", depending on the context.

Is it more formal to say "a number of components" or "several components"?

"A number of components" and "several components" are generally interchangeable, but "a number of components" may sound slightly more formal in certain contexts.

When is it appropriate to use "a number of components" instead of listing the individual parts?

Use "a number of components" when you want to emphasize that something is complex and made up of many parts, but don't need to list all the parts individually. If the specific parts are important, it's better to list them.