a number of items

USAGE SUMMARY

"a number of items" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to talk about a group of things that is too large to count. For example, "I saw a number of items in the store that I wanted to buy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

A number of items were removed for forensic examination.

The Guardian

The documents also said investigators had failed to find a number of items despite extensive searches.

The New York Times

The delightfully long list of starters includes a number of items rarely found elsewhere.

The New York Times

Her executors agreed a number of items could be given to the university's Brynmor Jones Library.

The Guardian

But Ms. Weber found a number of items for gardening aficionados as well.

The New York Times

But some customers with a number of items to check out said they preferred the human touch.

The New York Times

Blimpie advertises a number of items with nine grams of fat or less, including one oatmeal cookie.

The New York Times - Food

The filing seeks a number of items from prosecutors, including any evidence of Tamerlan Tsarnaev's involvement in the Waltham murders.

The Guardian

Although the menu lists a number of items for dessert, only ice cream was available during my visits.

The New York Times

Shopping for products to please the senses, Mr. Henry found a number of items in Manhattan and online.

The New York Times

Gives a number of items that he found among them on scraps of paper--puns, sayings, etc.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a number of items" when you want to indicate a quantity without specifying an exact number. It's more formal than "some" but less precise than "several".

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on vague quantifiers like "a number of items" in technical or business writing where precise quantities are preferred. Consider providing specific numbers or ranges when possible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a number of items" functions as a quantifier followed by a noun. It indicates an unspecified quantity of objects or elements. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a number of items" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase for expressing an unspecified quantity of objects. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage across various contexts, particularly in news, scientific, and formal writing. While useful for generalization, remember to be specific when precision is needed. Consider alternatives like "several items" or "multiple items" to tailor the expression to your desired level of detail and formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

several items

Replaces "a number" with "several", indicating more than two but not many.

various items

Focuses on the variety rather than the quantity of the items.

multiple items

Emphasizes that there are more than one item.

a quantity of items

More formal way of expressing "a number of items", focusing on the amount.

a selection of items

Highlights the act of choosing from a larger group.

a range of items

Indicates a variety within a specific category.

a collection of items

Suggests a curated or gathered set of objects.

a group of items

Simple and direct way to express a set of objects.

numerous items

Emphasizes a large quantity of objects.

a multitude of items

Expresses a very large, almost uncountable, quantity.

FAQs

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

You can use "a number of items" to refer to a group of things without specifying the exact quantity. For example, "The store sells "a number of items" ranging from clothing to home goods".

What's a more specific alternative to "a number of items"?

Instead of "a number of items", you could use phrases like "several items", "multiple items", or specify the exact number if known.

Is "a number of items" formal or informal?

"A number of items" is generally considered a neutral to slightly formal phrase, suitable for both professional and casual contexts, unlike more informal terms like "a bunch of items".

What is the difference between "a number of items" and "many items"?

"A number of items" is more formal than "many items" and often implies a quantity that is significant but not overwhelming. "Many items" is a more general and less precise way to indicate a large quantity.