a required number of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a required number of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when specifying a minimum or necessary quantity needed for a particular purpose or task. Example: "To complete the project, we need to gather a required number of signatures from the community."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

It provides a required number of resources for critical and excessive computations.

Journal of Systems Architecture

Each just needs to collect a required number of signatures based on the number of voters in the last gubernatorial election.

The Guardian

In order to meet the requirements of precision engineering, the scraped surface should have an equally distributed pattern with a required number of high points per unit area while retaining good flatness.

Measurement

"Because training regulations note that 'many new soldiers are not physically fit or capable of strenuous activity,' " she writes, "they no longer do a required number of push-ups to a count, the drill sergeant exercises along with them as a sort of 'role model' and they drop out when they feel like it".

The New York Times - Books

Citizens' initiatives that are supported by a required number of signatures allow the electorate to vote on political measures proposed by a group, on bills approved by a legislature but not yet in force, or on existing laws (citizen-demanded referendums).

Encyclopedia Britannica

A power analysis was performed and resulted in a required number of 44 included patients.

European Radiology Experimental

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

However for any drive with a given center distance and a speed ratio, only two non-standard asymmetric rack cutters, one for the pinion and other for the gear are used to generate a required numbers of pinion and gear with different cutter shift values for the purpose of optimization.

Mechanism and Machine Theory

With an appropriate safety-margin a total required number of 650 patients results.

BMC Endocrine Disorders

We built a bioinformatics pipeline to systematically analyze a range of SCD definitions, where SCD definitions were defined by a maximum length (Y) and a minimum required number of S/T-Qs.

BMC Genomics

This resulted in a maximum required number of replicates of 9.62 with an actual accuracy of 0, and a minimum required number of replicates of 0.004 with an actual accuracy of −0.99 or 0.99.

Genetics, Selection, Evolution

The key points in such an optimization process are using a fast function evaluation tool and development of an efficient and robust optimization algorithm that can find good solutions with a minimum required number of function evaluations.

Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a required number of", ensure the context clearly indicates what necessitates this quantity. Providing specific details enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "a required number of" without defining what requires the number. Always follow up with a clear explanation or context to prevent ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a required number of" typically functions as a determiner phrase specifying a quantity that is essential or obligatory. Ludwig's examples show it often precedes a noun to indicate a needed amount for a given task or condition, aligning with its adjectival role.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

65%

News & Media

25%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a required number of" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to indicate a necessary quantity. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across various contexts, primarily in scientific and news-related content. When using this phrase, clarity is key; ensure you specify what necessitates the number. Alternatives like "a necessary quantity of" or "a minimum amount of" can be used depending on the specific context. Always aim for precision to avoid ambiguity and ensure effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a necessary quantity of

Replaces "required" with "necessary", focusing on the essential nature of the number.

a minimum amount of

Emphasizes the lowest acceptable quantity, shifting the focus from requirement to a threshold.

a specified number of

Highlights that the number is explicitly defined, rather than just needed.

an obligatory amount of

Substitutes "required" with "obligatory" to express compulsion.

the designated number of

Implies a formal selection or assignment of the number.

a set amount of

Indicates a fixed and predetermined quantity.

a prescribed number of

Suggests that the number is dictated by a rule or authority.

a mandatory quantity of

Uses "mandatory" instead of "required" to express a strict obligation.

the requisite quantity of

Replaces both "required" and "number" with "requisite quantity" for a more formal tone.

an essential amount of

Focuses on the fundamental importance of the quantity.

FAQs

How do I use "a required number of" in a sentence?

Use "a required number of" to specify a quantity that is necessary or obligatory for a specific purpose. For example: "To pass the course, students must complete a required number of assignments."

What can I say instead of "a required number of"?

You can use alternatives like "a necessary quantity of", "a minimum amount of", or "a specified number of" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "the required number" or "a required number"?

The choice depends on the context. "The required number" implies a specific, known quantity, while "a required number" suggests a general need for a certain amount or range.

How can I avoid being vague when using "a required number of"?

Be specific about what the number refers to and why it is required. For example, instead of "We need a required number of volunteers", say "We need a required number of 20 volunteers to manage the event efficiently".