a number of persons

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a number of persons" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to an unspecified quantity of individuals, often in a formal or legal context. Example: "A number of persons attended the meeting to discuss the new policy changes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

Writer spoke with a number of persons who gave their views on the Mayor, praising him for his international personality, his class, his visionary ideas for cultural survival etc.

The New Yorker

A number of persons received minor injuries.

The New York Times

We have identified a number of persons who represented a threat to the United States".

The New York Times

Mentions the names of a number of persons involved in the handling of returning troops.

The New Yorker

Quotes the opinions of a number of persons interviewed by the writer.

The New Yorker

"We are nearer the start than the finish on this inquiry, and there remain a number of persons of interest," she said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

To increase the rigour of the calibration procedure, it was decided to also use a number of person ability measures as additional anchor values.

Language Testing in Asia

The repeated measures design means that each individual contributes a number of person-years to the data set.

Age and Ageing

This also meant that a number of the persons they contacted did not require their services.

BMC Health Services Research

You can also guess the person's password by guessing from a number of the person's favorite things.

WikiHow

holocaust:...Complete consumption by fire...complete destruction, especially of a large number of persons; a great slaughter or massacre.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a number of persons" in formal writing or legal contexts where a more precise or clinical tone is appropriate. For general communication, consider using "several people" or "a group of individuals".

Common error

Avoid using "a number of persons" in informal settings, as it can sound stilted or pretentious. Opt for simpler alternatives like "some people" or "several individuals" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a number of persons" functions as a determiner phrase indicating an unspecified quantity of individuals. It is used to denote a group without specifying the exact count, similar to phrases like 'several' or 'some'. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

32%

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a number of persons" is a grammatically sound phrase used to refer to an unspecified quantity of individuals. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's correct and usable, particularly in formal or legal contexts. While effective, it's important to consider the tone; simpler alternatives like "several people" or "some individuals" may be more appropriate for informal communication. Predominantly found in scientific, news, and encyclopedia sources, this phrase serves to denote a group without needing precise numbers, maintaining a level of formality and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

several individuals

Emphasizes the individuality of each person within the group.

various people

Highlights the diversity or variety within the group.

numerous individuals

Stresses the large quantity and individuality of people.

a group of people

Focuses on the collective aspect rather than individual identities.

many individuals

Similar to 'several individuals' but emphasizing a greater quantity.

certain individuals

Implies that the individuals are specific or have particular qualities.

a few people

Indicates a smaller, unspecified quantity of individuals.

some people

Implies an unspecified portion of a larger group of people.

a quantity of individuals

A more formal and somewhat less common way to express an unspecified amount of people.

multiple parties

Suggests the individuals are involved in a legal or formal agreement.

FAQs

What's a less formal way to say "a number of persons"?

You can use alternatives like "several people", "some individuals", or "a group of people" depending on the context.

Is "a number of persons" grammatically correct?

Yes, "a number of persons" is grammatically correct, although it's more formal than alternatives like "several people" or "some individuals".

When should I use "a number of persons" instead of "a number of people"?

Use "a number of persons" in formal or legal contexts where a more precise or clinical tone is appropriate. "A number of people" is generally acceptable in most other situations.

What's the difference between "a number of persons" and "a large number of persons"?

"A number of persons" indicates an unspecified quantity, while "a large number of persons" specifies that the quantity is significant. Both are formal.