a specified number

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a specified number" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a specific quantity or amount that has been previously stated or agreed upon. Example sentence: The company promised to hire a specified number of new employees by the end of the year.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Under current rules, investors must wait one year to sell, and then usually only in stages of a specified number each quarter for the year after that.

The New York Times

The medical school at the University of California, Davis, had set aside a specified number of seats for historically disadvantaged minorities.

The New Yorker

As with Lemmings, the mission is simple: save a specified number of your tiny charges using the tools at your disposal.

The Guardian - Tech

A bid contracts to win a specified number of odd tricks with a specified trump or at no trump.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Preset boards typically had anywhere between 2 and 10 preset banks; each bank controlled a specified number of dimmers.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Instead of using a proprietary device, users simply send a SMS message to a specified number.

TechCrunch

The districts had a specified number of battalions and regiments organised along the lines of the British Army.

Wikipedia

In our model, protein expression is instantaneous, producing a specified number of transposase dimers per transposon copy.

eLife

A town had access if a specified number of reserves was located within a specified distance from the town.

Environmental Science & Policy

In target archery, competitors shoot a specified number of arrows at set distances at a target with established scoring values.

Encyclopedia Britannica

For each test data set, we randomly selected a specified number of SNPs.

BMC Genomics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a specified number", ensure that the number has been previously defined or is clear from the context. Avoid ambiguity by making the reference explicit.

Common error

Avoid using "a specified number" without clearly indicating what that number is. This can lead to confusion and misinterpretation. Always ensure the specification is evident.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a specified number" functions as a determiner phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a particular quantity that has been previously mentioned or defined. It clarifies that the quantity is not arbitrary but rather predetermined, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a specified number" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to refer to a particular quantity that has been previously defined or agreed upon. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s suitable for various contexts, especially in news, scientific, and encyclopedia articles. For clarity, always ensure the number being specified is clearly indicated in the context. Alternatives include "a particular quantity" and "a defined amount", which can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Remember to avoid vagueness and make explicit what the "specified number" refers to.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a particular quantity

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

a defined amount

Uses "amount" instead of "number", more suitable for continuous quantities.

a precise quantity

Replaces "specified" with "precise", stressing exactness.

a set quantity

Emphasizes that the quantity is predetermined or fixed.

a stipulated number

Emphasizes the formal agreement on the number.

a prescribed number

Highlights that the number is officially recommended or required.

a designated quantity

Indicates that the quantity has been specifically chosen or assigned.

a given figure

More suitable when the number is a numerical value or statistic.

a predetermined amount

Highlights that the amount was established in advance.

a certain quantity

Implies that the quantity is known but not necessarily disclosed.

FAQs

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

Use "a specified number" when you want to refer back to an amount or quantity that has already been mentioned or is understood within the context. For example, "The contract requires "a specified number" of inspections each year."

What are some alternatives to "a specified number"?

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

What is the difference between "a specified number" and "a certain number"?

"A specified number" implies that the number has been previously determined or agreed upon. "A certain number" suggests that the number is known but not explicitly stated.

Is it better to use "a specified number" or "a specific number"?

Both "a specified number" and "a specific number" are grammatically correct and usable. "A specified number" implies a prior agreement or definition, while "a specific number" simply indicates a particular, though perhaps not predetermined, quantity.