a select number

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a select number" is correct and can be used in written English.
Examples: 1. "Only a select number of students will be chosen for the scholarship program." 2. "The company only invites a select number of clients to their annual conference." 3. "The panel was looking for a select number of experts to consult on the project." 4. "Each year, only a select number of films are chosen for the prestigious festival." 5. "The exclusive club only admits a select number of members each year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Only data for a select number of states are available.

Cornell University

"This is the start of a select number of really high-quality partnerships".

The New York Times

Superfish was preloaded onto a select number of consumer models only.

The Guardian - Tech

Classical dance in India has a select number of master teachers.

The New York Times - Arts

Amtrak will continue working with a select number of agencies that remain on its roster.

The New York Times

I do want a select number I pay handsomely for to work.

The New York Times - Tech

At the moment this is a trial of the system on a select number of articles.

The Guardian

Black Astrum produces diamond-encrusted business cards for a select number of exceedingly wealthy clients.

The Guardian

And each year a select number of students publish their findings in the TRI Bulletin.

Yale University

A select number of applicants will be invited to interview for the program via Skype.

Princeton University

A select number of game ticket packages are available - with tailgate ticket purchase!

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a select number" to emphasize the exclusivity or careful selection of items or individuals, adding a layer of importance to the limited quantity.

Common error

Avoid using "a select number" in very casual conversations; simpler alternatives like "a few" or "some" might sound more natural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a select number" functions as a determiner phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a limited and often carefully chosen quantity. Ludwig AI confirms its validity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Academia

35%

Science

27%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a select number" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to denote a limited and often carefully chosen quantity or group. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate for a variety of formal and neutral contexts, particularly in news, academic, and scientific writing. While alternatives such as "a few" or "limited quantity" exist, "a select number" emphasizes exclusivity or deliberate selection. When writing, remember to reserve this phrase for situations where the limited quantity and element of choice are significant.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a restricted amount

Underscores the controlled or limited nature of the quantity.

a limited quantity

Focuses on the restricted amount, highlighting scarcity.

a small group

Emphasizes the reduced size of the set or collection.

a finite number

Highlights that the quantity has an upper bound.

a few individuals

Highlights that only a handful of people are involved.

an exclusive few

Suggests a sense of privilege or rarity among those included.

a chosen few

Stresses the act of selection or preference.

a privileged minority

Indicates that inclusion is not universal or readily available.

a particular subset

Emphasizes that the number is only part of a bigger set.

a curated collection

Suggests the items have been carefully chosen.

FAQs

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

You can use "a select number" to indicate a limited or exclusive group. For example, "A select number of applicants will be invited for an interview."

What are some alternatives to "a select number"?

Some alternatives include "a limited quantity", "a small group", or "a few", depending on the context.

Is it more formal to say "a select number" or "some"?

"A select number" generally carries a more formal tone than "some", implying a deliberate choice or exclusivity.

What's the difference between "a select number" and "the majority"?

"A select number" indicates a small portion, while "the majority" refers to more than half of the total. They represent opposite ends of the spectrum in terms of quantity.