a record number of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a record number of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to the highest number or amount ever recorded or reported. For example, "The company reported a record number of sales this quarter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A record number of home foreclosures.

The New York Times

A record number of Democrats are running, including a record number of women.

The Washington Post

And a record number of tickets have been sold.

The New York Times - Sports

Admittedly there had been a record number of votes.

The Guardian

It has a record number of armed citizens.

The New York Times

Last year, a record number of trans Americans were murdered.

The Guardian - Opinion

It will also create a record number of carcasses.

The New York Times

A record number of trans murders were recorded this year.

The New Yorker

A record number of women now use contraception.

The Guardian

There are a record number of people in work.

The Guardian

"This shows in a record number of students and a record number of those from disadvantaged backgrounds applying to university".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a record number of" when you want to emphasize that a quantity is the highest ever recorded, making sure the context supports the claim with verifiable data.

Common error

Avoid using "a record number of" without concrete evidence or data to support the claim. Ensure that the quantity is indeed the highest recorded before using the phrase to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a record number of" functions as a determiner followed by a noun, modifying the noun to indicate that the quantity is the highest ever recorded. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used to describe something reaching its highest point. Examples from Ludwig illustrate this in various contexts, such as record numbers of students, voters, or sales.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

82%

Formal & Business

9%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Science

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase “a record number of” is a common and grammatically correct way to express that a particular quantity is the highest ever recorded. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is broadly used across various contexts, primarily in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Wiki sources. It serves to emphasize the significance or magnitude of a quantity, often highlighting milestones or notable changes. When using this phrase, ensure you have verifiable data to support your claim. Alternatives such as "an unprecedented amount of" or "an all-time high of" can be used depending on the context. By following these guidelines, you can effectively use “a record number of” in your writing to convey accuracy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an all-time high of

Indicates the highest level achieved throughout the entire history or duration being considered.

an unprecedented amount of

Emphasizes that the amount is something that has not occurred before, making it slightly more emphatic than the original phrase.

a historic high in

Implies a significance that could be influential or remembered in the future.

the highest quantity of

Focuses specifically on the numerical value being the highest recorded.

an unmatched degree of

Implies a level of something that has never been equaled.

a peak level of

Highlights reaching the top or maximum point, often used in charts or data analysis.

the greatest volume of

Focuses more on the size or capacity of something that has achieved a high amount.

the most ever of

An informal way to convey that something has reached its highest point in history.

a benchmark number of

Implies that the high number may serve as a standard for future numbers.

a groundbreaking figure of

Highlights that the high number is innovative or unexpected.

FAQs

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

You can use "a record number of" to indicate that a certain quantity is the highest ever recorded. For instance, "A record number of students applied to the university this year."

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

Alternatives include phrases like "an unprecedented amount of", "the highest quantity of", or "an all-time high of", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to use "a record number of"?

It's appropriate if the quantity you are referring to is, in fact, the highest ever recorded. Ensure you have data or reliable information to support your claim before using the phrase. Do not use it if you do not have precise numerical evidence.

What's the difference between "a record number of" and "an unprecedented amount of"?

"A record number of" implies a quantifiable highest point, whereas "an unprecedented amount of" suggests something that has never happened before, not necessarily tied to a numerical value.