a number of failure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a number of failure" is not correct in English.
It should be "a number of failures." You can use the corrected phrase when discussing multiple instances of failure in a particular context. Example: "The project faced a number of failures before it finally succeeded."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

A number of failure modes which are not addressed sufficiently in the certificate guidelines are presented.

Advances in Wind Turbine Blade Design and Materials

While a number of failure modes have been studied, the neuroinflammatory response, in particular, has received significant attention.

Neuromodulation Comprehensive Textbook of Principles, Technologies, and Therapies

Along with the remarkable growth of the ERP market, we have seen a number of failure cases of ERP adoption.

Information and Software Technology

Full field strain analysis and visual observations show a number of failure mechanisms between the different core thicknesses.

Composite Structures

The structural design of the new system is controlled by a number of failure modes that may arise during either the construction or the service stage.

Advances in Building Technology Proceedings of the International Conference on Advances in Building Technology 4–6 December 2002, Hong Kong, China

The methodology employs an iterative design process with respect to a number of failure criteria to ensure optimal structural and material performance of the blade.

Renewable Energy

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

At the time of the exchanges, Chinese-made kick motors had suffered a number of failures.

The New York Times

BP listed a number of failures committed onboard the rig, which was operated by Transocean.

The Guardian

"Incentives are needed to help address a number of failures in the market for these products.

The Guardian

A Metropolitan police investigation into an armed assault by Kevin Hutchinson-Foster, who went on to provide the gun to Duggan, was found by the police watchdog to have had "a number of failures".

The Guardian

So while the Virgin Group has had a number of failures, such as Virgin Cola and Virgin Brides, the crash of Little Red hasn't affected the strength of the Virgin brand or its reputation, but rather enhanced its decisiveness and boldness.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always use the plural form "failures" with "a number of". This ensures grammatical correctness and clarity in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using the singular noun "failure" after "a number of". Using "a number of failure" is grammatically incorrect. Always use the plural form: "failures".

Linguistic Context

The phrase is intended to function as a determiner followed by a noun, indicating multiple instances of something not succeeding. However, it is grammatically incorrect in its singular form, as confirmed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

43%

News & Media

43%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The query "a number of failure" is grammatically incorrect and should be written as "a number of failures". Ludwig AI confirms this correction is needed. The phrase is intended to express multiple instances where something has not succeeded. While sources such as The Guardian and The New York Times are used as examples by Ludwig, the key takeaway is the necessity of using the plural noun "failures". Remember that "a number of" always requires a plural noun to be grammatically correct. Using the plural form ensures clarity and accuracy in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

several failures

Replaces "a number of" with "several", providing a simpler and more direct way to indicate multiple instances.

multiple failures

Substitutes "a number of" with "multiple", emphasizing the plurality of failures.

numerous failures

Replaces "a number of" with "numerous", suggesting a large quantity of failures.

a series of failures

Changes the structure to highlight the sequential nature of the failures.

repeated failures

Focuses on the recurring nature of the failures.

various failures

Emphasizes the diversity or variety of the failures.

a multitude of failures

Uses "a multitude of" to indicate a very large number of failures.

frequent failures

Highlights the high frequency with which failures occur.

considerable failures

Emphasizes the significance or impact of the failures.

extensive failures

Indicates that the failures are widespread or cover a large scope.

FAQs

How do I correctly use "a number of failures" in a sentence?

Ensure you use the plural form "failures" to maintain grammatical accuracy. For example, "There were "a number of failures" during the project's initial phase".

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

You can use alternatives like "several "failures"", "multiple "failures"", or "numerous "failures"".

Is it grammatically correct to say "a number of failure"?

No, it is grammatically incorrect. The correct phrase is "a number of failures", using the plural noun "failures".

What is the difference between "a number of failures" and "a series of failures"?

"A number of failures" indicates multiple instances of failure, while "a series of failures" suggests that the failures occurred sequentially, one after another.