a number of good

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a number of good" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to several positive or beneficial items, ideas, or qualities. Example: "There are a number of good reasons to support this initiative, including its potential for community improvement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A number of good ideas.

Independent

A collected work with a number of good papers.

University of California, Berkeley

Market Basket has a number of good options.

Harvard University

The legislation includes a number of good White House proposals.

The New York Times

The proposals have a number of good features.

The Guardian - Opinion

He gave them a number of good ideas.

The New Yorker

Howard made a number of good saves against Dallas.

The New York Times - Sports

It has fine hotels and a number of good restaurants.

The New York Times - Travel

There are a number of good alternatives for spring.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The course has a number of good features.

The New York Times - Tech

A number of good ones are already out there.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When listing items following "a number of good", ensure each item genuinely reflects a positive quality or benefit relevant to the context.

Common error

Avoid using "a number of good" as filler. Always follow with specific and meaningful descriptors that provide clear information or insight.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a number of good" functions as a determiner phrase, specifically quantifying and qualifying a following noun or noun phrase. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in highlighting multiple positive attributes or reasons.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

13%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a number of good" is a common and grammatically correct way to express the existence of multiple positive aspects or qualities. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is widely used across various contexts, particularly in news and media. For more formal writing, consider alternatives like "several positive aspects" or "various beneficial features". Remember to always follow "a number of good" with specific details to provide clear and impactful information. By specifying what makes the reasons, traits, etc “good” your writing gains more authority and clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

several positive aspects

Replaces "a number of" with "several", emphasizing a limited quantity, and uses "aspects" for a more formal tone.

many favorable qualities

Substitutes "a number of" with "many", indicating a larger quantity, and "qualities" for a slightly more formal tone than "things".

various beneficial features

Uses "various" to suggest diversity and "beneficial features" to highlight the advantageous nature of the items.

a collection of excellent points

Emphasizes the gathering of individual items or ideas, each of high quality.

multiple advantageous factors

Highlights the presence of several elements that contribute to a positive outcome.

plenty of valuable attributes

Suggests an abundance of desirable characteristics.

a variety of superior elements

Stresses the diversity and high standard of the components.

considerable merits

Focuses on the worth or value of something, implying a significant degree of excellence.

numerous notable items

Implies that there are many things worthy of attention.

a host of remarkable traits

Evokes a sense of abundance and distinction in the characteristics being described.

FAQs

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

Use "a number of good" to indicate that there are multiple positive qualities or aspects within a given context. For example: "There are "a number of good reasons" to support this proposal."

What are some alternatives to using "a number of good"?

You can use alternatives such as "several positive", "many beneficial", or "various advantageous" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to specify what the "good" things are after using the phrase "a number of good"?

Yes, for clarity and impact, it is best to specify the items or reasons that are "good". Vague use of the phrase without specifics weakens your statement. Instead of just stating "a number of good things", be specific and use "several positive aspects".

How does the formality of "a number of good" compare to its alternatives?

"A number of good" is generally neutral in formality. Alternatives like "various beneficial features" might be more suited for formal contexts, while simpler phrases like "lots of good" are more informal.