a sizeable number of

USAGE SUMMARY

'a sizeable number of' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
This phrase can be used to describe a considerable amount of something, usually without specifying an exact amount. For example, "There were a sizeable number of people at the party."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

A sizeable number of Tory MEPs are anti-European zealots.

The Guardian

Between them, these two clubs will supply a sizeable number of England's Six Nations squad.

The Guardian - Sport

By the 10th day, a sizeable number of residents showed up in solidarity.

The New York Times

In London there is a sizeable number of Belarusians in the crowd, who are able to appreciate every cultural reference.

The Guardian

There is also a sizeable number of daily specials scrawled on a portable blackboard that is brought to each table.

The New York Times

A sizeable number of Celtic fans could not wait to be rid of Gordon Strachan as manager.

The Guardian - Sport

Both parties have been hollowed out; neither possesses a mass membership or a sizeable number of activists.

The Guardian - Opinion

Partly as a result of the outcast London debate, a sizeable number of missions were established in the East End.

Independent

There is a sizeable number of residents now who have now been radicalised and who are preparing to break the law and who will take direct action.

The Guardian

There are still a sizeable number of critics of the tuition fees system no matter what form it takes, and with any cap it might have.

The Guardian

Immigration was a significant factor in the referendum campaign, with a sizeable number of those who voted to leave the EU citing it as reason for supporting Brexit.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider your audience. For formal contexts, use the phrase as-is. In informal settings, explore alternatives like "quite a few" or "many" for better resonance.

Common error

A common mistake is using "a sizeable number of" without providing enough context to understand the magnitude. Always give a reference point or comparison to clarify what 'sizeable' means in your specific scenario.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sizeable number of" functions as a quantifier, specifying an amount that is considerable but not precisely defined. It indicates quantity without being exact. Examples on Ludwig show its flexibility in describing groups of people, objects, or abstract entities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a sizeable number of" is a versatile and commonly used phrase to indicate a considerable quantity or amount without being specific. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and appropriateness for various writing contexts. It's especially prevalent in news, science, and formal business communication. When using this phrase, ensure the context provides enough information for the reader to understand the scale implied by "sizeable". While numerous alternatives exist, ranging from formal phrases like "a substantial quantity of" to informal ones like "quite a few", the choice depends on the intended tone and audience. Remember to consider the information regarding potential imprecision without context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a substantial quantity of

Replaces "sizeable number" with "substantial quantity", emphasizing the amount more directly.

a considerable amount of

Uses "considerable amount" to highlight the significance of the quantity.

a significant proportion of

Focuses on the fraction or percentage that the number represents.

a large quantity of

Simpler phrasing that focuses on the largeness of the quantity.

a good number of

Less formal, indicating a satisfactory or notable quantity.

quite a few

Informal expression meaning "many" or "several".

a great deal of

Emphasizes the abundance or extent of something, often used with uncountable nouns.

numerous instances of

Highlights multiple occurrences or examples.

a multitude of

Implies a very large number, often suggesting variety.

an abundance of

Suggests a plentiful or overflowing quantity.

FAQs

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

Use "a sizeable number of" to indicate a considerable quantity without specifying an exact amount. For example, "A sizeable number of students attended the lecture."

What's a more formal alternative to "a sizeable number of"?

For a more formal tone, consider using "a substantial quantity of" or "a considerable amount of".

Is "sizeable" the same as "sizable"?

Yes, "sizeable" and "sizable" are interchangeable and mean approximately the same thing, though "sizeable" is slightly more common.

What can I say instead of "a sizeable number of" in informal writing?

In informal contexts, you could use phrases like "quite a few" or simply "many".