a number of disasters

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a number of disasters" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to multiple disasters that have occurred or are being discussed. Example: "The region has faced a number of disasters in the past decade, including floods and earthquakes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

The majority of the dishes we tried were delights, but there were a number of disasters as well.

The New York Times

"They had a number of disasters with children becoming ill and dying on the boats," Dr. Hemming said.

The New York Times - Health

The supplement pathway has led to a number of disasters, such as one involving Medtronic's Sprint Fidelis defibrillators, which are implanted in the chest to shock the heart if it goes into a deadly rhythm known as ventricular fibrillation.

The Washington Post

Catlett has served in a number of disasters, including Hurricanes Katrina, Ivan and Rita.

Johns Hopkins University

Funds reappeared on the agenda during the art market boom of 2004-2008, but about half disappeared after the financial crisis, and there have been a number of disasters as well.

BBC

A number of disasters, including Hurricane Mitch in 1998 and the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami, galvanized the international community to take action on disasters in a more comprehensive manner that included preparedness and recovery, broadening disaster management beyond response.

International Journal of Disaster Risk Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

She has worked in a number of disaster zones and areas of conflict, installing vital technical equipment for people in the midst of an emergency.

BBC

So far, residents have suggested a number of disaster-preparedness options.

Los Angeles Times

We work for a number of disaster relief groups so our translations may go straight into the field, with no time for editing.

Huffington Post

Based on his observation and analysis of a number of disaster-struck communities, he describes how those involved share an enormous experience and come to view the world around them in new and different ways.

Emerging Health Threats Journal

Mr. Smith's name is associated with a number of automotive disasters.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a number of disasters", be specific about the types of disasters you are referring to, or provide context so the reader understands the scope and impact. For example, specify whether they are natural, economic, or personal.

Common error

Avoid using "a number of disasters" without providing any context or detail. This can leave the reader unclear about the severity and scope of the situation. Instead, follow up with specific examples or details to illustrate the extent of the disasters.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a number of disasters" functions as a noun phrase that describes a plurality of unfortunate or calamitous events. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

25%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a number of disasters" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase for indicating multiple unfortunate or calamitous events. As Ludwig confirms, the phrase is generally correct. It suits neutral registers and finds frequent use in news, science, and general informative contexts. When employing this phrase, specificity and context are key to prevent vagueness and ensure clear communication. Alternatives include "several disasters" and "multiple disasters". In short, it’s a versatile and reliable expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

several disasters

Replaces "a number of" with "several", indicating more than two but not a large, specific number of disasters.

multiple disasters

Uses "multiple" to convey that there are more than one disaster.

various disasters

Emphasizes the diversity or different types of disasters that occurred.

a series of calamities

Substitutes "disasters" with "calamities", offering a more formal or literary tone.

a succession of crises

Replaces "disasters" with "crises", focusing on the critical and urgent nature of the events.

a string of misfortunes

Uses "misfortunes" instead of "disasters", softening the impact of the events while still indicating negative occurrences.

a wave of catastrophes

Employs "wave" and "catastrophes" to suggest a series of large-scale, devastating events.

frequent adversities

Highlights the recurring nature of the disasters, emphasizing their frequent occurrence.

repeated incidents

Replaces "disasters" with "incidents", downplaying the severity while still indicating multiple negative events.

numerous adversities

Replace "a number of disasters" to "numerous adversities".

FAQs

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

You can use "a number of disasters" to describe multiple calamitous events. For example, "The region has experienced "a number of disasters", including earthquakes and floods."

What are some alternatives to saying "a number of disasters"?

Alternatives include "several disasters", "multiple disasters", or "various disasters", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "a number of disasters" or "many disasters"?

Both are correct, but "a number of disasters" is slightly more formal. "Many disasters" is more common in informal contexts.

What is the difference between "a disaster" and "a number of disasters"?

"A disaster" refers to a single calamitous event, while ""a number of disasters"" indicates that there have been multiple such events.