a realistic number of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a realistic number of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing quantities or amounts that are practical or achievable in a given context. Example: "We need to determine a realistic number of participants for the event to ensure it runs smoothly."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

The only way to relieve pressure on the border is to allow a realistic number of migrants into America, ie one that bears some resemblance to the demand for their labour.

The Economist

By presenting a coincident outlier index (COI) criterion while considering a realistic number of outliers in a multi-response problem, the performance of the proposed method is illustrated.

Journal of Industrial Engineering International

The program's modest scale--less than 1% of NIH's approximately $10 billion in stimulus funds--reflects the desire to establish a realistic number of sustainable new faculty positions rather than set off a "feeding frenzy," Berg says.

Science Magazine

On the other hand, we use the term PL to express a realistic number of TCs that will be allocated for simulation purposes inside the CA of a BSS during busy hours.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Palmer was out with a handsome severance, a restructuring plan was announced, a strong strategic rationale was given, managers were selected from both organizations to head up critical functions on day one, and a realistic number of planned layoffs were announced.

Forbes

Though our analysis is based on simulated neural activity, we sought to capture the fundamental features of spike data including: a realistic number of monitored neurons, randomized preferred directions, and firing rates exhibiting Poisson noise.

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

And then, from that, we can look for analogies to a more complete theory of quantum gravity in a more realistic number of dimensions.

Forbes

The graduates argue that the realistic number of those with law-related jobs is closer to 50percentt.

Huffington Post

The study is the latest in a long series of attempts to come up with realistic numbers of civilian deaths.

The New York Times

When considering multi-hop communication, the applicability scope of Internet-based applications might need to be reduced to lower speed scenarios (e.g., urban or semi-urban), to a proper ratio of CCUs per installed RSU and to a realistic maximum number of hops (to be determined).

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Try setting a realistic target number of publications for yourself that would be the minimum benchmark for success.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When setting goals or planning projects, ensure that the target number is achievable and based on available resources and constraints. Using "a realistic number of" sets expectations appropriately and increases the likelihood of success.

Common error

Avoid setting an unrealistic high or low number without considering all relevant factors. This can lead to either failure to meet objectives or inefficient use of resources. Always base your estimates on solid data and informed projections to prevent setting goals too high or too low.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a realistic number of" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It qualifies the noun "number" by specifying that it is not just any number, but one that is practical and achievable. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

47%

News & Media

29%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Academia

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a realistic number of" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to describe quantities that are practical and achievable. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread use. It functions as an adjective phrase, modifying nouns to emphasize feasibility in various contexts. Primarily found in science, news, and business settings, it's crucial for setting appropriate expectations. When using this phrase, ensure you are basing your estimates on solid data to avoid over or underestimations. Alternatives include "a viable number of" or "a reasonable number of", providing flexibility in expressing similar ideas.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a viable number of

Replaces "realistic" with "viable", emphasizing feasibility and sustainability.

a reasonable number of

Substitutes "realistic" with "reasonable", highlighting fairness and appropriateness.

a practical number of

Emphasizes the usefulness and efficiency of the number being considered.

a workable number of

Focuses on the ability of the number to facilitate successful execution.

a feasible number of

Stresses the achievability and possibility of the given quantity.

a pragmatic number of

Highlights the practicality and sensibility in a particular situation.

a sensible quantity of

Replaces "number" with "quantity", while focusing on sound judgment.

an attainable amount of

Shifts the focus to what can be reached or obtained, instead of just a number.

a down-to-earth figure for

Uses a more colloquial expression emphasizing a grounded, practical estimate.

a real-world quantity of

Highlights that the number is based on or applicable to actual situations and conditions.

FAQs

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

Use "a realistic number of" to describe a quantity that is achievable and practical given the circumstances. For instance, "We need to allocate "a realistic number of" resources to the project to ensure its success."

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

Alternatives include "a viable number of", "a reasonable number of", or "a practical number of". The best choice depends on the specific context and what aspect of the number you want to emphasize.

Which is more appropriate: "a realistic number of" or "an optimistic number of"?

"A realistic number of" is generally more appropriate in contexts where accuracy and feasibility are important. "An optimistic number of" might be used when you want to express hope or ambition, but it acknowledges that the number might not be entirely achievable. Realism focuses on what is likely, while optimism focuses on what is ideally desired.

How does "a realistic number of" compare to "an exact number of"?

"An exact number of" implies precision and certainty, while "a realistic number of" suggests an estimate that is practical and achievable, even if not perfectly precise. In situations where precise counts are difficult or impossible, "a realistic number of" provides a more useful and attainable target.