a number of moves

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a number of moves" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to several actions or steps taken, often in a strategic or game-related context. Example: "In chess, a number of moves can lead to a checkmate if executed correctly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

The organization has made a number of moves that should improve the offense.

The New York Times - Sports

In the intervening years — two divorces, a number of moves — he lost many of them.

The New Yorker

Under Admiral Blair's tutelage, a number of moves are under way to strengthen the American military posture in the Pacific.

The New York Times

Slicing '99 Taxes Sidney Kess, a New York tax lawyer and accountant, cites a number of moves taxpayers can make to limit the liability on their tax returns.

The New York Times

The tax bill, for $3.4 billion, is among a number of moves the government has taken against the company, the country's largest oil exporter.

The New York Times

Air India has made a number of moves in recent years to catch up to its competitors, including scrapping its sari-only dress policy earlier this year.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

Police managed to contain the clash without arrests but issued a number of move-on orders.

The Guardian

State records also show that Rodrigues had been charged with a number of moving and traffic violations.

The New York Times

"There are a number of moving pieces to making this happen and the governor has been working through them with as much determination as possible".

The New York Times

It includes a number of moving later poems not included in the earlier volume, many on the subject of aging, most notably the poem "When I Think" from Creeley's final collection, "On Earth".

The New York Times - Books

It is an expansive vision with a number of moving parts that are each unique and compelling new technology".

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a number of moves", ensure the context clearly indicates whether the moves are related, sequential, or independent actions. For example, "The company implemented a number of moves to increase sales" implies a strategic campaign.

Common error

Avoid using "a number of moves" without providing some context or detail about the specific actions taken. Saying "They made a number of moves" without further explanation leaves the reader uninformed. Add descriptive elements or specify a purpose.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a number of moves" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It refers to a quantity of actions or steps taken, as demonstrated in the examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

15%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a number of moves" is a versatile expression used to denote a series of actions or steps. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and frequently appears in diverse contexts, including news, science, and encyclopedias. While "a number of moves" is generally neutral in tone, it’s important to provide context to ensure clarity and avoid vagueness. Related phrases include "several actions" and "various steps", each carrying slightly different nuances. It is important to note, based on the examples, that this phrase is most frequently used in News & Media.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a series of steps

Suggests a planned or related sequence of actions.

several actions

Focuses on the individual actions taken, rather than a broader strategic shift.

various steps

Emphasizes the sequential and progressive nature of the actions.

multiple changes

Highlights the alterations or modifications made.

several strategic plays

Implies a calculated and planned set of actions, often in a competitive context.

a variety of maneuvers

Indicates skillful and tactical actions, possibly implying deception or cleverness.

a range of initiatives

Highlights proactive actions taken to achieve a specific goal.

numerous operations

Suggests organized and planned activities, often in a business or military context.

different tactics

Highlights that various tactics are used to reach a certain goal.

some procedures

Highlights that the moves are procedures that are part of a plan.

FAQs

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

You can use "a number of moves" to describe a series of actions or changes. For example, "The company implemented "a number of moves" to improve efficiency."

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

Alternatives include "several actions", "various steps", or "multiple changes" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to specify the exact number of moves instead of saying "a number of moves"?

Specifying the exact number can provide clarity, but "a number of moves" is appropriate when the exact count is unknown or less important than the overall concept of a series of actions.

What's the difference between "a number of moves" and "a series of moves"?

"A series of moves" implies a planned or related sequence, whereas ""a number of moves"" is a more general term for several actions, not necessarily sequential.