a reasonable number of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a reasonable number of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are talking about an unspecified but reasonable amount, quantity, or number of something. For example, you could say "I think a reasonable number of people would agree with me."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Basically, it would seem that proportionally, a reasonable number of us are using antidepressants for no doubt numerous reasons.

Vice

A reasonable number of justifiable absences are paid in full.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

I let a reasonable number of people merge in front of me.

The New York Times

Mr. Lautenberg said he was willing to schedule "a reasonable number" of debates with Mr. Forrester.

The New York Times

You have a reasonable number of arguments, and you generally come out on top.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Is the process too complex to be stimulated in a reasonable number of vaccinations?

The Washington Post

It's also the last one to call for a reasonable number of chillies.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Bacteria were transformed with the resulting constructs, and a reasonable number of colonies were obtained.

Nature

Nonetheless, Italy and Spain do have a reasonable number of active investigators (Fig. 5a).

Nature

Now the language permits a "reasonable" number of photographs, with "reasonable" left undefined.

The New York Times

In fact, a reasonable number of voters did appear to hold it against him.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a reasonable number of", consider the context to ensure the quantity implied is appropriate and understood by your audience. Avoid vagueness by providing specific examples or ranges where possible.

Common error

Avoid using "a reasonable number of" when a more precise quantity is known or easily determined. Overusing vague terms can undermine your credibility. For example, instead of saying "We need a reasonable number of volunteers", specify "We need at least 20 volunteers".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a reasonable number of" functions as a determiner phrase. It modifies a noun, indicating an unspecified but acceptable or appropriate quantity. Ludwig AI shows it is frequently used to describe amounts or quantities that are neither too much nor too little, fitting the needs of a particular situation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

37%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Academia

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a reasonable number of" is a versatile phrase used to indicate a quantity that is appropriate or acceptable without being overly specific. As indicated by Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically sound and frequently used across diverse contexts, including news, science, and business. When writing, use it when a precise number is unnecessary or unknown. However, ensure clarity by providing context or examples to guide your audience's understanding of what constitutes a "reasonable" amount in the given situation. Be aware, though, that in situations where accuracy matters, a specific quantity should be preferred.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an acceptable number of

Emphasizes that the amount is satisfactory or permissible.

a sufficient quantity of

Replaces 'reasonable number' with 'sufficient quantity', emphasizing adequacy.

an adequate amount of

Substitutes 'reasonable number' with 'adequate amount', highlighting the satisfactoriness.

a suitable quantity of

Highlights the appropriateness of the quantity for a specific purpose.

a fitting number of

Highlights the appropriateness of the number in a given situation.

a fair quantity of

Uses 'fair quantity' instead of 'reasonable number', suggesting an equitable amount.

a considerable amount of

Replaces 'reasonable number' with 'considerable amount', indicating a noteworthy quantity.

a decent amount of

Provides a more informal substitute, suggesting the quantity is satisfactory and appreciable.

a good few

Offers a more informal alternative to "a reasonable number of", implying a decent quantity.

a respectable quantity of

Swaps 'reasonable number' with 'respectable quantity', pointing to an amount worthy of esteem.

FAQs

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

You can use "a reasonable number of" to refer to an unspecified quantity that is appropriate or acceptable in a given context. For instance, "A reasonable number of days should be allocated for project completion."

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

Alternatives include "an adequate amount of", "a sufficient quantity of", or "a fair quantity of", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to use "a reasonable number of" or a more specific quantity?

It depends on the context. Use "a reasonable number of" when the exact quantity is not critical or easily defined. However, being more specific enhances clarity. For example, instead of "Invite "a reasonable number of people"" it is better to say: "Invite 50 guests".

What does "reasonable" really mean in the context of "a reasonable number of"?

In this context, "reasonable" implies that the quantity is justifiable, appropriate, and not excessive or deficient based on the requirements of the situation. It suggests a quantity that is fair and sensible, like requiring "a suitable number of attempts" to repair something.