a number of factions

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a number of factions" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to multiple groups or divisions within a larger context, often in political or organizational discussions. Example: "The debate was complicated by the presence of a number of factions, each with their own agenda."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

When Christ did not return as Miller prophecied, Adventists divided into a number of factions.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The Islamic Movement of Kurdistan (IMK) was established in 1987 and was comprised of a number of factions that trained and fought in Afghanistan during the Russian invasion.

The Guardian - Opinion

The sect is believed to include a number of factions, and imitators and criminal groups carry out violence under its guise.

The New York Times

There are strong opinions from a number of factions about which direction Colorado should go, but no name seems to split allegiances more than McCartney's.

The New York Times - Sports

Although the Tuareg rebels include a number of factions – ranging from the secularist National Movement for the Liberation of the Azawad to Ansar Dine, the Tuareg Islamist faction – there are fears that groups linked to al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) have a role in the latest advances.

The Guardian

The Republicans had formed a number of factions.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

In the reshuffle, Mr Fukuda kept a number of faction leaders in prominent positions, suggesting that "politics as usual" will prevail and precious little will happen.Moreover Mr Fukuda reached into the backbench of the LDP to resurrect Taro Aso, a charismatic former foreign minister who battled and lost to Mr Fukuda for the party leadership, and thus premiership, last autumn.

The Economist

The camps house a number of Palestinian factions that officially reject the negotiations between the P.L.O.

The New York Times

In contrast, the non-Islamist forces are fractured into a number of different factions, ranging from Christian to social democratic.

The New York Times

Ten years later, in 1930, a number of labour factions united and founded Mapai, the Israeli Workers Party, with Ben-Gurion at its head.

Encyclopedia Britannica

India's Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi, faced with a flood of Sri Lankan refugees and with discontent among sympathetic Indian Tamils, decided to train and arm Sri Lanka's Tamil militants (not only Tigers but a number of other factions as well).

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a number of factions", ensure the context clearly defines what constitutes a "faction". Provide sufficient background information to avoid ambiguity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "a number of factions" when the specific number of factions is known or easily determined. Providing a precise count adds clarity and strengthens the writing.

Linguistic Context

A number of factions functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. As confirmed by Ludwig, it refers to multiple groups or divisions within a larger context, often in political or organizational discussions. Examples in Ludwig show its application in diverse scenarios.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Wiki

22%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Science

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a number of factions" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to describe multiple groups with differing interests. Ludwig AI confirms its applicability in diverse contexts, primarily in news and media, encyclopedias, and wiki sources. While versatile, clarity is key when defining what constitutes a "faction". Consider using more precise language if the exact number is known. Related alternatives include "several groups" or "various divisions". Overall, the phrase serves as a useful tool for describing complex group dynamics.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

several groups

Replaces "number" with a more direct quantifier and "factions" with a broader term.

various divisions

Substitutes "number" and "factions" for synonyms, emphasizing diversity.

multiple parties

Emphasizes the distinct nature of the groups, particularly in political contexts.

numerous cliques

Implies smaller, often less formal or organized groups.

a multitude of groups

Uses a more emphatic term than "a number of", suggesting a large quantity.

many competing interests

Highlights the adversarial relationships between the groups involved.

diverse elements

Focuses on the heterogeneity within a larger entity.

several competing sides

Emphasizes the competitive aspect of the groups.

a range of groups

Highlights that groups span across a spectrum.

different blocs

Implies formally organised, and often politically aligned groups.

FAQs

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

You can use "a number of factions" to describe situations where multiple groups with differing interests or affiliations are involved, such as "The conflict was complicated by the presence of "a number of factions"."

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

Alternatives to "a number of factions" include "several groups", "various divisions", or "multiple parties", depending on the specific context.

Is it more accurate to say "a number of factions" or to specify the exact number?

While "a number of factions" is grammatically correct, providing the exact number (e.g., "three factions") is more precise and informative when the number is known. Use "a number of factions" when the exact count is unknown or unimportant.

What is the difference between "a number of factions" and "a multitude of groups"?

"A number of factions" suggests several distinct groups with potentially conflicting interests. "A multitude of groups" implies a very large quantity of groups, potentially overlapping or less clearly defined.