a restricted number

USAGE SUMMARY

"a restricted number" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to refer to a specific, limited number of something. For example: - The tickets for the concert were limited to a restricted number in order to maintain social distancing measures. - The company only allowed a restricted number of employees to work from home at a given time. - The game show contestants were only given a restricted number of lifelines to use during the competition.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In a restricted number of cases, education was measured by the highest completed education level.

Nature

Only a restricted number of appropriate stem cells markers have been explored so far.

Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews

The laptop flashes "Restricted Number" and the detective gnashes his teeth, conceding to Raina that "It's a restricted number".

The Guardian - Film

GIF format works well for images with a restricted number of colors but not for photos with lots of colors.

Princeton University

However, only a restricted number of species can be considered in such a multiscale approach combining several numerical codes.

Surface and Coatings Technology

While they are frequently used in Western countries, other countries have realized only a restricted number of competitions and exhibitions.

International Encyclopedia of the Social & Behavioral Sciences

Main limitations of this technique include wavelength ratiometric properties inherent only to a restricted number of solute specific fluorescent dyes.

Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical

Whittle said although he was finding work in the US there were only a restricted number of parts he could take unless he hid his accent.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Given that household surveys and censuses are not held every year, for many countries the indicators are only available for a restricted number of years.

Nature

A restricted number of species are adapted to brackish waters; and members of the family Spongillidae (class Demospongiae) populate the fresh waters of rivers and lakes.

Britannica

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are indicated for a restricted number of clinical conditions, and their misuse can lead to several adverse effects.

European Journal of Internal Medicine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a restricted number", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being limited and why. For example, "Due to budget constraints, we can only offer a restricted number of scholarships this year."

Common error

Avoid using "a restricted number" when the limitation is insignificant. Instead, use adjectives like 'limited', 'few', or 'some' if the restriction is not severe. Make sure it truly implies a constraint.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a restricted number" functions as a determiner phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a limited or controlled quantity. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

56%

News & Media

15%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a restricted number" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that indicates a limited quantity or amount, often due to specific constraints or regulations. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage and high applicability across various writing styles. It appears most commonly in scientific and news contexts, while being less frequent, but still present, in formal business and general reference materials. Alternatives like "a limited quantity" or "a select few" can be employed for stylistic variation, always ensuring that the selected wording accurately reflects the intended nuance and context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a limited quantity

Emphasizes the finite and bounded nature of the amount.

a finite amount

Highlights the fixed and countable aspect of the quantity.

a select few

Focuses on the exclusivity and limited availability of items or people.

a small selection

Indicates a curated and limited assortment.

a handful

Suggests a very small and easily manageable quantity.

a scarce amount

Stresses the rarity and limited availability.

a controlled quantity

Highlights that the amount is regulated or managed.

a fixed number

Indicates a set and unchangeable quantity.

a specified amount

Emphasizes that the amount has been pre-determined or designated.

a particular number

Indicates a specific and distinct quantity.

FAQs

How can I use "a restricted number" in a sentence?

You can use "a restricted number" to indicate a limited quantity. For example, "Only a restricted number of tickets are available for the event." or "The study included a restricted number of participants due to the rarity of the condition."

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

You can use alternatives like "a limited quantity", "a select few", or "a handful" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "a restricted number" versus "a small number"?

"A restricted number" implies that the limitation is due to specific constraints or regulations. "A small number" simply indicates a low quantity without necessarily implying restrictions. For example, "Due to safety regulations, only a restricted number of people are allowed in the elevator at one time." versus "There were only a small number of attendees at the meeting."

Is it redundant to say "a limited and restricted number"?

Yes, using both "limited" and "restricted" together is redundant. Choose one or the other based on which word best fits the specific nuance you want to convey. "Limited" implies a finite quantity, while "restricted" implies a constraint or regulation.