a sizable number

USAGE SUMMARY

"a sizable number" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It can be used in various contexts to mean a large or considerable number of something. Here are a few examples: - "A sizable number of students were absent from school today due to the flu outbreak." - "The survey revealed that a sizable number of people are unhappy with their current jobs." - "Our company has seen a sizable number of new customers since launching our latest product." - "The politician promised to address the issue of affordable housing, as a sizable number of citizens are struggling to find suitable homes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

"That's a sizable number," she said.

The New York Times

A sizable number were 45, 50 and older.

The New York Times

The country has a sizable number of his works.

Independent

His motive is not just financial, although he does hold a sizable number of Honeywell shares.

The New York Times

But a sizable number of retirees are left to their own devices, according to Mr. Johnson.

The New York Times

"There is a sizable number of people living with disabilities in Botswana," said Serufho.

The Guardian - Sport

A sizable number of models will stay on display during the restoration process.

The New York Times - Arts

There were more liberal Democrats but a sizable number of conservative Democrats.

The New York Times

His motive is not just financial, although he does hold a sizable number of shares.

The New York Times

Most of the participants are black, but a sizable number of whites can be seen too.

The New York Times - Books

A sizable number, including families, were trapped for weeks in Furnace Creek.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a sizable number" when you want to indicate a quantity that is large enough to be important or noticeable. It is suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

While "a sizable number" is generally acceptable, avoid using it excessively in casual conversation. Simpler alternatives like "many" or "lots" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sizable number" functions as a determiner phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a quantity that is notably large. This is confirmed by Ludwig AI, and the examples show it consistently used before countable nouns to specify their quantity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Science

34%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a sizable number" is a versatile phrase used to indicate a quantity that is considerably large. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and frequently used across various contexts, including news, science, and general writing. While it maintains a neutral register, it's advisable to avoid overuse in very informal settings. The phrase's strength lies in its ability to convey significance without being overly precise, making it a valuable tool for writers aiming for clarity and impact. Alternative phrasing includes "a significant quantity" or "a large proportion", allowing for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a large proportion

Synonymous, with 'large' directly replacing 'sizable'.

a significant quantity

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

a marked quantity

Highlights that the quantity is easily noticeable or distinct.

a considerable amount

Similar in meaning, but more suitable for uncountable nouns.

an appreciable quantity

Highlights that the quantity is noticeable or measurable.

a substantial portion

Emphasizes the part or share of a whole that is significant.

a noteworthy quantity

Indicates the quantity is significant or remarkable.

a great deal

Emphasizes the extent of the quantity or amount.

a respectable number

Suggests the quantity is adequate or worthy of respect.

a good many

More informal, suggesting a considerable but unspecified quantity.

FAQs

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

You can use "a sizable number" to describe a quantity that is large or significant. For example, "A sizable number of students attended the lecture."

What are some alternatives to "a sizable number"?

Alternatives include "a large number", "a significant number", or "a considerable number", depending on the context.

Is "sizable" the same as "sizeable"?

Yes, "sizable" and "sizeable" are variants of the same word and can be used interchangeably. However, "sizable" is the more common spelling.

Is it better to use "amount" or "number" with "sizable"?

"Number" is used with countable nouns (e.g., "a sizable number of books"), while "amount" is used with uncountable nouns. The phrase "a sizable amount" exists, but it's less frequent.