a number of lists

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a number of lists" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to multiple lists, indicating that there is more than one list involved in the context. Example: "The project requires a number of lists to organize the tasks effectively."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

He was featured in a number of lists of traitors and members of a supposed "fifth column" inside Russia published by pro-Kremlin and nationalist figures.

The Guardian

The guide also features a number of lists: Paranormal Travel, the Most Obscure Festivals and Hotels Where Famous People Have Died.

The New York Times

Curaçao, which last October became an independent nation with continuing ties to the Netherlands, has rocketed suddenly to the top of a number of lists as an island not to miss.

The New York Times

"In order to see if there is anything that would lead us to believe a firm is ineligible, M.T.A. Capital Construction staff examine their responses and cross-check them against a number of lists of debarred or otherwise troubled vendors".

The New York Times

Though their approaches to schooling range widely, from a creationist program to a curriculum based on crisis preparedness and the demise of the oil economy ("Do you want to get out of the Matrix? Then read on my friend"), their syllabuses significantly overlap, with the novel "Caddie Woodlawn" turning up on a number of lists.

The New York Times - Magazine

Or pick from a number of lists, including popularity, ethnic cuisine and food quality.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

The turbine was to be sited near Cromer Ridge, one of the highest points in north Norfolk, which has a number of listed buildings in the area.

The Guardian

But a number of listed lenders that specialise in making loans to people with poor or no credit histories are proving that money can be made from even the riskiest customers.

The Economist

A number of listed buildings are located in and around the town centre.

Wikipedia

The village contains a number of listed buildings, which include a 12th-century church, an old mill house and two oast houses.

Wikipedia

The Old City in the southwest of West Mersea serves the fishing and yachting industries and contains a number of listed buildings.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a number of lists", ensure the context clearly indicates what the lists contain or represent to provide clarity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "a number of lists" when only two lists are involved; in such cases, "two lists" is more direct and precise.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a number of lists" functions as a determiner phrase followed by a noun, specifying a quantity of lists. As confirmed by Ludwig, this expression is grammatically correct and widely used. The function is to quantify or indicate that more than one list exists.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

31%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a number of lists" is a common and grammatically sound way to refer to multiple lists, as confirmed by Ludwig. It's versatile, fitting into various contexts from news reports to scientific papers. While "several lists" or "multiple lists" can be used as alternatives, "a number of lists" remains a reliable choice. It is important to consider scale when using the phrase, avoiding it when only one or two lists are involved. This analysis provides clear guidelines for effective usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Several lists

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

Multiple lists

Uses "multiple" instead of "a number", emphasizing the existence of more than one list.

Various lists

Emphasizes the diversity or variety of the lists being referred to.

Numerous lists

Indicates a large quantity of lists.

A multitude of lists

Implies a very large number of lists, more emphatic than "a number of lists".

A collection of lists

Focuses on the idea of lists gathered together.

An array of lists

Suggests an organized arrangement or display of lists.

A series of lists

Implies a sequence or order of lists.

A range of lists

Highlights the scope or spectrum covered by the lists.

A set of lists

Suggests a defined or related group of lists.

FAQs

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

You can use "a number of lists" when referring to multiple lists. For example, "The researcher consulted "a number of lists" to gather the data."

What's the difference between "a number of lists" and "several lists"?

While both phrases indicate more than one list, "several lists" /s/several+lists might imply a smaller quantity compared to ""a number of lists"", which can suggest a larger quantity.

What can I say instead of "a number of lists"?

You can use alternatives like "multiple lists", "various lists", or "numerous lists" depending on the context.

Is it ever incorrect to use "a number of lists"?

It would be misleading to use ""a number of lists"" if you are only referring to one or two lists. In such cases, specifying the exact number would be more appropriate.