a select number of

USAGE SUMMARY

"a select number of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can typically use it when referring to a group of people or things that have been chosen as being especially good or desirable. For example, "The school only accepts a select number of applicants each year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

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

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

A select number of electronic resources are also available to Alumni.

Princeton University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a select number of" to emphasize that the items or individuals being referred to have been chosen according to specific criteria, implying a degree of exclusivity or quality. For instance, "A select number of students were chosen for the advanced program."

Common error

Avoid using "a select number of" in very casual conversation or informal writing. Simpler phrases like "a few" or "some" may be more appropriate and less pretentious in such situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a select number of" functions as a determiner phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a limited and carefully chosen quantity. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

40%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a select number of" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote a limited and specifically chosen quantity. It's prevalent in both News & Media and Academia as per Ludwig's analysis, as well as Science, indicating its broad applicability. While versatile, it's best suited for neutral to professional contexts, steering clear of overly casual language. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's validity. When aiming for simplicity, alternatives like "a few" or "some" may suffice, but "a select number of" adds a layer of emphasis on the deliberate selection process.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A selective number of

Interchangeable phrase with a focus on the process of selection.

A chosen number of

Implies a deliberate act of choosing, similar to "select".

A selected number of

Close synonym, emphasizing the action of selecting.

A limited number of

Focuses on the restriction in quantity, less on the choice.

A few of

Informal way to indicate a small quantity.

A small proportion of

Highlights the fraction relative to the whole.

Only some

Emphasizes that not all are included.

A handful of

Suggests a very small, easily managed quantity.

A restricted number of

Highlights that there are constraints of quantity.

Some but not all

Clearly indicates partial inclusion and exclusion.

FAQs

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

Use "a select number of" to indicate a limited quantity of items or individuals that have been specifically chosen. For example, "A select number of applicants were invited for an interview."

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

Alternatives include "a few", "some", "a limited number of", or "only a few", depending on the context and the degree of formality you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "a select number of"?

It's suitable when you want to emphasize that the quantity is not only limited but also carefully chosen. This phrase adds a sense of exclusivity or quality to the items or individuals being discussed.

Is "a select number of" formal or informal?

It leans towards a more formal register. In very casual contexts, simpler alternatives like "some" or "a few" might be more appropriate.