a number of improvements

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a number of improvements" is perfectly acceptable and commonly used in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate that multiple improvements have been made, or that a certain amount/quantity of improvements have been made. For example, "We have made a number of improvements to the current process."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It offers a number of improvements, including improved speed for things like logging in, changing rooms and tabs, typing response and more.

TechCrunch

There are a number of improvements that can be made to improve corporate governance, such as a separation of the board and management functions.

The Guardian

Mavericks includes a number of improvements, including tabbed Finder browsing and much-improved multi-screen monitor support.

TechCrunch

In this letter a number of improvements to their instrumentation are suggested which will improve the performance further.

Sensors and Actuators A: Physical

Labour urged a number of improvements to the scheme.

The Guardian

She began inventing a number of improvements and accessories.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The scientists make a number of improvements upon existing information.

The Guardian

Since then, Google has made a number of improvements to its assistant, which increase its utility.

MIT Technology Review

We believe there are a number of improvements Maple can make to the offer [including] increasing the cash component.

The Guardian - Business

In recent years, the Port Authority made a number of improvements, renovating bathrooms and installing new windows, lighting and seats.

The New York Times

The trust said it had made a number of improvements to its cancer services over the last year.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a number of improvements", be specific about the nature of those improvements in subsequent sentences to provide clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "a number of improvements" without specifying what those improvements are. Vague statements lack credibility and leave the reader uninformed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a number of improvements" functions as a determiner phrase followed by a noun, acting as a subject or object in a sentence. It introduces the idea of multiple positive changes, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

35%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

1%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a number of improvements" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to indicate multiple positive changes. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely accepted in written English. Its usage spans across various contexts, from news and media to science and academia. To maximize clarity, it's best practice to specify the nature of these improvements. While alternatives like "several enhancements" or "various advancements" exist, "a number of improvements" remains a versatile and reliable choice for conveying progress and positive change.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

several enhancements

Replaces "number" with "several" and "improvements" with "enhancements", maintaining the core meaning.

various advancements

Substitutes "number" with "various" and "improvements" with "advancements", emphasizing progress.

multiple refinements

Uses "multiple" instead of "a number" and "refinements" instead of "improvements", highlighting precision.

numerous upgrades

Employs "numerous" for "a number" and "upgrades" for "improvements", focusing on modernization.

significant changes

Indicates a substantial set of alterations, differing slightly in emphasis from improvements.

considerable progress

Highlights the overall advancement made, rather than individual improvements.

marked amelioration

A more formal way of expressing significant positive change or enhancement.

substantial modifications

Focuses on the extent of changes made, similar to improvements but emphasizing alteration.

positive developments

Highlights the positive nature of the changes, broadening the scope beyond specific improvements.

tangible gains

Emphasizes the measurable benefits achieved through improvements.

FAQs

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

You can use "a number of improvements" to indicate that several positive changes have been made. For example, "The software update includes "a number of improvements", such as faster loading times and enhanced security."

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

Alternatives include "several enhancements", "various advancements", or "multiple refinements" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "a number of improvements" or list the improvements directly?

Listing the improvements directly is generally better for clarity and impact. However, ""a number of improvements"" can be used as a summary statement when the details follow immediately.

What's the difference between "a number of improvements" and "significant changes"?

"A number of improvements" specifically implies positive changes, whereas "significant changes" simply indicates substantial alterations, which may or may not be positive.