a number of computers

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a number of computers" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to several computers without specifying an exact quantity. Example: "The school has a number of computers available for student use in the library."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

In Cloud computing Cluster, a number of computers are managed by software which dynamically distributes workload to all of the computers.

Journal of Cloud Computing

Investigators found evidence that the attackers cracked the passwords and used them to gain access to a number of computers.

The New York Times - Tech

The DA system is distributed across a number of computers with a DA process for each distinct diagnostic system.

Fusion Engineering and Design

In a second inquiry, investigators for the state inspector general raided Mr. Dann's office on Wednesday and confiscated a number of computers.

The New York Times

"The attackers appear to have used this infection to retrieve administrator credentials and used them to execute Disakil [a second type of Malware] on a number of computers.

The Guardian - Tech

Most of these services work by funnelling traffic through alternative internet gateways or forwarding your internet requests through a number of computers to protect your identity.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

The results of a number of computer simulations are presented.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

Global convergence is claimed, and demonstrations are carried out via a number of computer simulations.

Engineering Applications of Artificial Intelligence

A fourth charge related to obtaining a number of computer files for committing an offence under the Computer Misuse Act.

The Guardian

Three years ago, a number of computer manufacturers recalled laptops with batteries from Sony after reports of fires and explosions.

The New York Times - Tech

We performed a number of computer simulations calculating the average displacement in near-equilibrium states from regular, equidistant initial packings.

Journal of Computational Physics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a number of computers", ensure the context makes it clear whether the exact quantity is important. If precision is needed, use a specific number instead.

Common error

While grammatically correct, overuse of "a number of" can make your writing sound verbose. In formal contexts, consider using more concise alternatives like "several" or a specific numerical value when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a number of computers" functions as a determiner phrase followed by a noun, acting as a subject or object within a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It introduces the idea of multiple computers without stating a precise quantity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

41%

Academia

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a number of computers" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase for referring to multiple computers without specifying an exact count. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is correct and usable in written English. While versatile, consider more precise language when the exact quantity is important or more concise options such as "several computers" in formal contexts. It appears frequently in news and scientific articles. When writing, remember that "number" here requires a plural verb.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

several computers

Replaces "a number of" with the more direct synonym "several".

multiple computers

Uses "multiple" to indicate more than one computer.

many computers

Employs "many" as a general quantifier.

a few computers

Suggests a smaller quantity than "a number of".

a group of computers

Emphasizes the collection or grouping of computers.

a set of computers

Implies a defined or related collection of computers.

various computers

Highlights the diversity or different types of computers.

a range of computers

Suggests a spectrum or variety of computers.

a collection of computers

Focuses on the gathering or amassing of computers.

some computers

Indicates an unspecified, but limited, quantity of computers.

FAQs

How to use "a number of computers" in a sentence?

You can use "a number of computers" to indicate that there are multiple computers involved without specifying the exact quantity. For example: "A number of computers in the lab are being upgraded."

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

You can use alternatives like "several computers", "multiple computers", or "many computers" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "a number of computers are" or "a number of computers is"?

The correct form is "a number of computers are" because "number" refers to a plural quantity. Therefore, it requires a plural verb.

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

"A number of computers" implies a quantity without specifying the exact amount, while "the number of computers" refers to a specific, known quantity. For example, "A number of computers need updating" versus "The number of computers needing updates is five".