a selected number

USAGE SUMMARY

"a selected number" is a grammatically correct phrase that can be used in written English.
It means a specific or chosen number from a larger set of numbers. You can use it in any sentence where you want to refer to a particular number that has been chosen or identified out of a group. Here are a few examples: - "The survey only included a selected number of participants, so the results may not be representative of the entire population." - "The scholarship committee will award grants to a selected number of students based on their academic performance." - "Please choose a book from the selected number of titles on the reading list." - "The company can only offer discounts to a selected number of customers due to limited resources." - "The government has decided to increase taxes for a selected number of high-income individuals."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The workshop is limited to 35 undergraduate participants from a selected number of partner institutions.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

India's net neutrality movement has campaigned hard to stop Facebook controlling free access to a selected number of web services through its "Free Basics" service.

The Guardian - Tech

The proper cellular commitment toward a selected number of lineages is critical to mimicking the functionality of the native tissue.

Regenerative Engineering of Musculoskeletal Tissues and Interfaces

Users of the HDS wireless network can send documents (a.k.a. "print jobs") to a selected number of HDS printers using their own wireless computer and Crimson Cash.

Harvard University

Cornell University provides need-based financial aid on a limited basis to a selected number of admitted international students who have applied for financial aid.

Cornell University

Ukad uses a national registered testing pool in which a selected number of athletes are required to provide information regarding their whereabouts at all times in order to be easily located for sampling.

The Guardian - Sport

This paper provides a selected number of examples of how particle properties influence the design and optimisation of food particle operations.

Food and Bioproducts Processing

Here, I'm going to tackle a selected number with a bit of help from the scientists I interviewed for the piece.

The New York Times

This paper presented the Maxeler Application Gallery project, its vision and mission, as well as a selected number of examples.

Journal of Big Data

"If our concerns are confirmed, this generalised scheme would be a serious distortion of competition unduly benefitting a selected number of multinationals.

BBC

Within the extremely conservative structures of the movement, women remain marginal; giving a selected number of them some power creates a split and decreases the likelihood of protest.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

For enhanced clarity, consider quantifying "a selected number" with specific numerical values or ranges whenever possible to provide more precise information. For example, "a selected number (approximately 25%)" offers greater accuracy.

Common error

Avoid using "a selected number" without providing context or criteria for the selection process. This can lead to confusion and undermine the credibility of your statement. Always clarify the basis for the selection, even if it's just a brief explanation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a selected number" functions as a determiner phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a specific, but not necessarily quantified, subset. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a selected number" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that indicates a specific quantity chosen from a larger set. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is widely accepted. Its strength lies in conveying selection, though it benefits from added context to clarify the selection process. It is versatile and can be used in many contexts, including science, news, and academia, although with some level of variability across those domains. Remember to avoid vagueness and specify your criteria. By following these tips, you can effectively incorporate "a selected number" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a specific quantity

Emphasizes the exactness or definiteness of the number.

a certain amount

Highlights that the quantity is known but not necessarily specified.

a limited quantity

Focuses on the restriction or finite nature of the number.

a handful

Suggests a small, easily manageable quantity.

a portion

Implies that the number is a part of a larger whole.

some instances

Shifts the focus from a numerical value to a few specific cases.

several examples

Highlights the illustrative nature of the number.

a finite set

Focuses on the completeness and boundaries of the group.

an exclusive group

Stresses the selectiveness and restricted access.

a restricted cohort

Implies that the number is a subgroup with specific characteristics.

FAQs

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

Use "a selected number" when you want to refer to a specific quantity chosen from a larger group. For example: "A selected number of students received scholarships this year.

What are some alternatives to "a selected number"?

You can use alternatives such as "a specific quantity", "a limited quantity", or "a certain amount" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to specify the exact number instead of using "a selected number"?

Specifying the exact number is preferable for precision. Use "a selected number" when the precise quantity is unknown, irrelevant, or you wish to avoid being overly specific. When possible, follow with an approximate value or percentage.

When is it appropriate to use "a selected number" in formal writing?

It's appropriate when you need to indicate that a specific but unspecified quantity has been chosen for a particular reason or purpose. For example: "A selected number of participants were chosen based on their qualifications."