a number of projects

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a number of projects" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe multiple projects that are being discussed or mentioned in the same context. For example, "The engineering team has completed a number of projects this month."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We've got a number of projects in the works.

The New York Times

Mr. Arnett said he has dabbled in a number of projects since then.

The New York Times

Today his business consists of a number of projects including River Cottage HQ.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Miller, who is acutely aware of his vogue, works on a number of projects at once.

The New Yorker

After her win for Room, Larson has a number of projects set for release.

The Guardian - Film

There are a number of projects we want to get going there".

The New York Times

It's difficult to say how much, because we just finished up a number of projects.

The New York Times

It is only one of a number of projects BAE is working on.

The New York Times

We had to work in groups for a number of projects.

The New York Times

SDI consisted of a number of projects aimed at producing a defensive shield against missile attack.

The Guardian

I have a folder on my computer titled "NOVELS" that contains a number of projects.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a number of projects", ensure the context makes it clear whether you are referring to a specific set of projects already mentioned or introducing new ones. For example: "The company is involved in several ventures, including "a number of projects" aimed at sustainable development."

Common error

Avoid using "a number of projects" repeatedly in close proximity. Vary your language by using more specific descriptions or alternative phrases like "several initiatives" or "multiple endeavors" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a number of projects" functions as a quantifier followed by a noun. It modifies the noun "projects", indicating that there are multiple projects under consideration. Ludwig AI validates its correctness, and examples show it used to introduce or reference ongoing or planned activities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

30%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a number of projects" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to indicate the existence of multiple projects. As validated by Ludwig AI, its neutral register makes it appropriate for various contexts, including news, science, and business. It is crucial to ensure clarity and avoid overuse by considering alternatives like "several projects" or "multiple projects". The phrase's frequency and consistent usage across authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian underscore its reliability in written English. Be precise when using "a number of projects"; provide more specifics if the amount or nature of projects is relevant.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Several projects

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

Multiple projects

Uses "multiple" to emphasize that there are more than one project.

Various projects

Highlights the diversity or variety of the projects.

Numerous projects

Emphasizes that the quantity of projects is significant or considerable.

Many projects

Uses "many" as a more direct synonym for "a number of".

A range of projects

Focuses on the variety and scope of the projects being undertaken.

A series of projects

Suggests the projects are sequential or connected in some way.

A collection of projects

Implies the projects may be related or grouped together.

An array of projects

Emphasizes the structured or organized arrangement of the projects.

A few projects

Indicates the quantity of projects is small.

FAQs

What does "a number of projects" mean?

The phrase "a number of projects" indicates that there are multiple projects being referred to, implying a quantity greater than one. It's a common way to generally state that several projects are underway or being discussed.

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

You can use "a number of projects" to describe ongoing work or future plans. For example: "The company is currently managing "a number of projects" in renewable energy." or "After the success of the first phase, we initiated "a number of projects" to expand our research."

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

Alternatives to "a number of projects" include phrases like "several projects", "multiple projects", or "various projects". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "a number of projects" or be more specific about the quantity?

Whether to use "a number of projects" or a more specific quantity depends on the context. If the exact number is unknown or not important, "a number of projects" is suitable. If the exact number is relevant, provide it for clarity: "The department is overseeing five key initiatives."