a number of modifications

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a number of modifications" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to several changes or adjustments made to something, often in a technical or formal context. Example: "The software update includes a number of modifications to improve performance and user experience."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

After a number of modifications, he set a new two-way record of 555 m.p.h.

The New York Times

A number of modifications to the Wheeler fatigue crack retardation model were proposed.

International Journal of Fatigue

A number of modifications were developed and introduced on 5-hp/1500-rpm pumpsets.

Energy for Sustainable Development

In this study, a number of modifications in a base design were applied and examined experimentally.

Energy

But researchers chasing the holy grail of a vaccine think they could have better success in South Africa, because of a number of modifications.

The Guardian

And as the scores soared, so did criticism of Pete Dye's course, which has undergone a number of modifications since it first held the tournament in 1982.

The New York Times - Sports

Since then, a number of modifications and refinements have been made to stereotaxic devices, procedures, and atlases, and these advances have significantly improved the utility of stereotaxy.

Britannica

France and Britain at first tried to enforce the treaty, but over the next several years a number of modifications were made.

Britannica

He also introduced a number of modifications, such as the ability to control its aperture, that helped to reduce optical aberrations.

MIT Technology Review

While maintaining the anaerobic capabilities of the original design, a number of modifications and revisions have been introduced.

Analytical Biochemistry

A number of modifications have been added to the original HCT method, but the interpretation of test results varies widely.

Applied Geochemistry

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a number of modifications", be specific about what was modified and why to provide clarity and context for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "a number of modifications" without specifying what those modifications are. This can leave the reader wondering what exactly changed and why it matters.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a number of modifications" functions as a determiner phrase followed by a plural noun. It modifies a noun to indicate that there are several alterations or changes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

54%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a number of modifications" is a common and grammatically correct way to indicate that several changes or alterations have been made. As Ludwig AI points out, it's particularly suited for technical and formal contexts. While versatile, it's best practice to provide context about what specifically was modified to avoid vagueness. Alternative phrases like "several changes" or "various alterations" can be used depending on the desired nuance. The phrase appears most frequently in scientific and news media sources, suggesting a neutral to formal register.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Several changes

Focuses more directly on the resulting changes themselves, rather than the process of modifying.

Various alterations

Similar to "modifications", but can sometimes imply a more significant or fundamental change.

Numerous adjustments

Suggests finer or more precise changes than "modifications".

Multiple revisions

Implies a process of reviewing and improving something, often in writing or design.

A series of amendments

Used especially when referring to changes in legal documents or formal proposals.

Several adaptations

Suggests changes made to suit a new purpose or condition.

Various refinements

Implies small improvements or enhancements to something already existing.

A range of variations

Highlights different forms or types within a larger set.

Many adjustments

A more informal synonym for "numerous adjustments".

A quantity of transformations

Emphasizes the extent or degree of change that occurs.

FAQs

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

You can use "a number of modifications" to indicate that several changes or alterations have been made to something. For example, "The new model includes a number of modifications to improve fuel efficiency."

What's a more formal synonym for "a number of modifications"?

A more formal synonym would be "various alterations" or "numerous adjustments". For example, "Various alterations were implemented to enhance the system's performance."

What can I say instead of "a number of modifications" to sound less formal?

For a less formal tone, consider using "several changes" or "many tweaks". For example, "We made "several changes" to the design based on user feedback."

Is it correct to say "a number of modification" instead of "a number of modifications"?

No, it is not correct. The word "modifications" should be plural because "number" implies more than one. The correct phrase is "a number of modifications".