a sizable number of

USAGE SUMMARY

"a sizable number of" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to a large or significant quantity of something, such as: "She had a sizable number of friends come to her birthday party."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

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

WHY are a sizable number of Republicans angry about the looming cuts?

The New York Times

Still, a sizable number of Americans have no impression of Mr. Ryan.

The New York Times

However, a sizable number of Argentine workers were unemployed at the turn of the 21st century.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a sizable number of", consider whether a more specific number or quantifier would provide greater clarity and impact for your writing. For instance, instead of "a sizable number of", you might use "more than 500" or "nearly half".

Common error

Avoid stacking vague quantifiers. Saying "a sizable number of several" is redundant and weakens your statement. Choose the single most appropriate quantifier to convey your intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sizable number of" functions as a determiner phrase, specifically acting as a quantifier. It modifies a noun to indicate a relatively large quantity or amount. Ludwig AI confirms that it is a grammatically correct phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

2%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a sizable number of" is a versatile phrase used to denote a quantity large enough to be significant. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and appropriate for a variety of contexts. It's most frequently found in News & Media and Science, suggesting a neutral tone. When using this phrase, consider if a more specific quantifier would improve clarity, and avoid redundant phrasing. Alternatives like "a significant quantity of" can provide nuanced meaning. Overall, "a sizable number of" is a valuable addition to your vocabulary, allowing you to effectively convey the idea of a notable quantity without being overly precise.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant quantity of

Emphasizes the importance or impact of the quantity more directly.

a considerable amount of

Highlights the largeness of the quantity in terms of measure or degree.

a substantial portion of

Implies the quantity is weighty or impactful.

a large proportion of

Focuses on the fraction or percentage that the quantity represents.

a notable fraction of

Stresses that the quantity is worth paying attention to.

a good many

More informal, suggesting a notable but unspecified quantity.

quite a few

Similar to 'a good many', indicating more than just a few, but not necessarily a majority.

a respectable quantity of

Indicates a quantity that is sufficient or worthy of respect.

many individuals

Directly refers to people, avoiding the somewhat abstract 'number'.

numerous instances of

Suitable when referring to events or occurrences rather than countable objects.

FAQs

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

Use "a sizable number of" to indicate a quantity that is notably large. For example, "A sizable number of students attended the lecture" shows that the attendance was significantly high.

What's the difference between "a sizable number of" and "a large number of"?

While both phrases indicate a considerable quantity, "a sizable number of" often suggests the quantity is more impressive or noteworthy than simply "a large number of". The choice depends on the desired emphasis.

Is "a sizable number of" formal or informal?

"A sizable number of" is generally considered neutral and suitable for most writing contexts. It's neither overly formal nor particularly informal, making it versatile for various audiences.

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

You can use alternatives like "a significant quantity of", "a considerable amount of", or "many", depending on the context and the nuance you want to convey. These offer different shades of meaning while still indicating a substantial quantity.