a number of material

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a number of material" is not correct in standard written English.
It should be "a number of materials" when referring to multiple types or instances of material. Example: "The artist used a number of materials to create her sculpture, including clay, metal, and wood."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

Nonetheless, these cultures are characterized by a number of material similarities.

Britannica

Combined SEM/EDX analyses reveal a number of material removal modes.

Wear

Based on a number of material tests, the parameters in the modified Johnson Cook constitutive relation were identified.

International Journal of Impact Engineering

He added that the Justice Department document contained "a number of material misstatements and omissions, which we look forward to having the opportunity to correct in court".

The New York Times

News on a number of material bids is due in the first half, including the DWP work programme (up to £3bn per annum), MOD recruitment partnering project (£70m per annum), Royal Navy training (£60m) and a number of Justice bids.

The Guardian - Business

In accordance, other terms are added to these models for accuracy, and the models resultantly have complex formulations with a number of material parameter.

Inverse Problems in Engineering Mechanics II International Symposium on Inverse Problems in Engineering Mechanics 2000 (ISIP 2000) Nagano, Japan

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

Their approach could also be used to load and release a number of material-bound constituents for controlled drug loading and delivery.

Harvard University

For example, a number of materials that inhibit formation of gibberellins by the plant cause dwarfing.

Britannica

Starting in 1986, researchers discovered a number of materials that are superconducting at higher temperatures.

Stanford University

Natural light is polarized in passage through a number of materials, the most common being polaroid.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But diapers are made of a number of materials, and usually more than one type of plastic.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always use the plural form "materials" after "a number of" to ensure grammatical correctness. For example, say "a number of materials" instead of "a number of material".

Common error

Avoid using the singular form "material" after "a number of". This is a common grammatical error. Ensure you use the plural form to indicate multiple items.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a number of material" functions as a determiner followed by a noun, but it's grammatically incorrect. It intends to quantify, but fails due to the singular form of "material". Ludwig AI indicates that the plural "materials" is required.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Academia

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a number of material" is a grammatically flawed construction. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, the correct form is "a number of materials", using the plural "materials". While "a number of material" appears across various contexts, including science, news, and academia, its incorrect grammar undermines its effectiveness in formal settings. To maintain clarity and precision in writing, always use "a number of materials" or consider alternatives like "several materials" or "various materials". Avoiding this error enhances credibility and ensures accurate communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a number of materials

Corrects the grammatical error by using the plural form 'materials'.

several materials

Replaces "a number of" with "several", emphasizing quantity.

various materials

Uses "various" to indicate a variety of materials.

multiple materials

Emphasizes that more than one material is involved.

a range of materials

Indicates a spectrum of materials being considered.

diverse materials

Highlights the heterogeneity of the materials.

an array of materials

Suggests a collection or assortment of materials.

a selection of materials

Focuses on the act of choosing from available materials.

assorted materials

Highlights the mixed nature of the materials.

different materials

Emphasizes the dissimilarity among the materials.

FAQs

What's the correct way to say "a number of material"?

The correct way is to say "a number of "materials"". The noun must be in plural form after "a number of".

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

You might say, "The experiment required a number of "materials", including glass, metal, and plastic."

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

Alternatives include "several "materials"", "various "materials"", or "multiple "materials"" depending on the context.

Is it ever correct to say "a number of material"?

No, it is not grammatically correct. Always use the plural form ""materials"" after "a number of". The correct phrase is "a number of materials".