a number of instruments

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a number of instruments" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to multiple instruments, typically in contexts such as music, science, or tools. Example: "The orchestra used a number of instruments to create a rich and diverse sound."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

She plays a number of instruments.

The New Yorker

The orchestra has owned a number of instruments, including a Stradivarius.

The New York Times - Arts

He played a number of instruments — violin, trombone, clarinet, piano, among others.

The New Yorker

Consequently, a number of instruments have been designed to assess recovery-oriented outcomes.

European Psychiatry

A number of instruments are used to measure this patient safety climate or culture.

International Journal of Nursing Studies

The electric piano is one of a number of instruments that have gained in popularity since the mid-20th century.

Britannica

The six women in the group perform both traditional and contemporary Irish songs and play a number of instruments including the Irish whistle, the mandolin and banjo.

The New York Times

Using a number of instruments as plausible sources of exogeneous variation, we find no evidence for a causal effect of open access on citations.

Research Policy

Throughout "Rian," the leader of the pack is Mr. O Maonlai, a founder of the band Hothouse Flowers, who performs a number of instruments and also sings.

The New York Times - Arts

He later studied at the Juilliard School and eventually learned to play a number of instruments, including the piano, saxophone, vibraphone, and timbales (paired high-pitched drums).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Each GPIB instrument was designed for a specific purpose, and a number of instruments were "rack and stack" to make a complete measurement system.

Instrumentation Reference Book

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a number of instruments", ensure the context clearly defines what constitutes an instrument. For musical contexts, specify the types, such as "stringed instruments", "percussion instruments", etc.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "a number of instruments" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "several instruments" or "many instruments" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a number of instruments" functions as a determiner phrase followed by a noun, modifying the noun "instruments". It specifies that there are multiple instruments involved, as evidenced by the examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

46%

News & Media

38%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a number of instruments" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase indicating the presence of multiple instruments. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and prevalence across diverse contexts, including science, news, and encyclopedias. While versatile, its formality may warrant simpler alternatives in casual settings. Authoritative sources like The New York Times and Encyclopedia Britannica demonstrate its widespread acceptance in formal writing. While the phrase is correct, remember that more casual alternatives like "several instruments" might be more appropriate in certain contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Several instruments

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

Various instruments

Substitutes "a number of" with "various", emphasizing diversity or different types of instruments.

Multiple instruments

Replaces "a number of" with "multiple", highlighting the existence of more than one instrument.

A range of instruments

Changes "number" to "range", suggesting a spectrum or variety of instruments.

A selection of instruments

Replaces "number" with "selection", implying a careful choice or assortment of instruments.

A collection of instruments

Substitutes "number" with "collection", suggesting a gathered or accumulated group of instruments.

An array of instruments

Replaces "number" with "array", emphasizing an organized or impressive display of instruments.

A variety of instruments

Changes "number" to "variety", stressing the different kinds or types of instruments available.

A quantity of instruments

Replaces "number" with "quantity", focusing on the amount or extent of instruments.

A multitude of instruments

Substitutes "a number of" with "a multitude of", implying a large or vast quantity of instruments.

FAQs

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

You can use "a number of instruments" to indicate that several instruments are being used or considered. For example: "The band plays "a number of instruments" during their performances."

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

Some alternatives include "several instruments", "various instruments", or "multiple instruments". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "a number of instruments" or "the number of instruments"?

"A number of instruments" implies there are several instruments being referred to. "The number of instruments" refers to a specific quantity or count. The choice depends on whether you're emphasizing the existence of multiple items or a precise figure.

What's the difference between "a number of instruments" and "many instruments"?

"A number of instruments" is a more formal way of saying "many instruments". In most contexts, "many instruments" is perfectly acceptable and may sound more natural, especially in informal settings.