a set number

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a set number" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a specific, predetermined quantity or amount of something. Example: "The project requires a set number of volunteers to ensure its success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Their target is not a set number.

Harvard Business Review

Each constituency is assigned a set number of seats.

The Guardian

Crime is not the consequence of a set number of criminals; criminals are the consequence of a set number of opportunities to commit crimes.

The New Yorker

4) You now need to pick a set number of forams from the tray.

University of California, Berkeley

This document is broadcast to a set number of identified participants for return of proposal responses.

Cornell University

In the parallel region, the framework creates (forks) a set number of threads.

University of California, Berkeley

The couple spend a set number of days in each apartment.

The Guardian

They gain a set number of points by attending lectures at ASLA events.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Depending on your policy, your insurer may cover a set number of visits.

The New York Times

You have a set number of bubbles to fire on each level.

The Guardian - Tech

There are a set number of jobs to go around, of course.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a set number", ensure the context clearly indicates what the number refers to. For example, instead of saying "complete a set number", specify "complete a set number of tasks".

Common error

Avoid using "a set number" without providing context or clarification, as this can lead to ambiguity. Always specify the units or items to which the number applies.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a set number" functions as a determiner phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a specific, predetermined quantity. As evidenced by the Ludwig AI examples, it introduces a sense of defined limitation or allocation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Wiki

22%

Academia

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Science

7%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a set number" is a versatile phrase used to denote a specific and predetermined quantity. As Ludwig AI points out, its grammatical status is correct, and it enjoys very common usage across diverse contexts. While most frequently encountered in news and media, it also appears in academic writing and more informal wiki contexts. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying what exactly the number is setting a limit for, thereby avoiding vagueness. Alternatives such as "a fixed quantity" or "a specific amount" can provide subtle variations in meaning. The key to effective usage is context and clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a fixed quantity

Replaces "number" with "quantity", emphasizing the amount rather than the count.

a defined amount

Substitutes "set" with "defined", highlighting the clarity and precision of the amount.

a specific quantity

Emphasizes the particularity of the amount, making it clear it is not arbitrary.

a predetermined quantity

Highlights the fact that the quantity was decided in advance.

a designated amount

Suggests the amount was officially assigned or allocated.

a precise count

Focuses on the exactness of the enumeration.

an exact figure

Replaces "number" with "figure", implying a numerical value.

a given amount

Implies that the amount is known or established beforehand.

a stipulated quantity

Adds a formal tone, suggesting the quantity is part of an agreement or contract.

a prescribed number

Suggests the number is mandated or required by a rule or authority.

FAQs

How to use "a set number" in a sentence?

Use "a set number" to indicate a specific, predetermined quantity. For example, "The recipe requires "a set number" of eggs".

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

You can use alternatives like "a fixed quantity", "a defined amount", or "a specific quantity" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "a set number" or "a specific number"?

Both "a set number" and "a specific number" are correct, but "a set number" implies the number was determined beforehand, while "a specific number" simply emphasizes that the number is particular.

What's the difference between "a set number" and "a certain number"?

"A set number" implies the quantity is predetermined and definite. "A certain number", on the other hand, suggests the quantity is known, but perhaps not precisely or to everyone involved.