a specified number of

USAGE SUMMARY

"a specified number of" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe a specific, predetermined quantity of something. Example: The company asked for a specified number of volunteers to help with the charity event.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Works by tapping a specified number of times.

The New Yorker

These included counting, walking a specified number of steps, and a simple gymnastics-like routine.

The Guardian

Recording contracts usually call for a specified number of albums rather than a length of time.

The New York Times - Arts

Each battle must be won within a specified number of turns.

The New York Times - Tech

The managers look for call protection, which forbids issuers from paying off the bonds within a specified number of years.

The New York Times

They study for common periods of time, and after completing a specified number of courses, they are awarded diplomas.

The New York Times

At salesroom counters, members and a specified number of guests are entitled to free tastings.

The New York Times

Available only in Texas, MileMeter sells coverage for a specified number of miles.

The New York Times

(3) A block of flash memory can only be written for a specified number of times.

Journal of Systems Architecture

Participation is limited to a specified number of companies, and enrollment is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Columbia University

What it does is take files that have not been accessed for a specified number of days and compress them to save disk space.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a specified number of", ensure that the context makes it clear who or what is doing the specifying. Clarity is key to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a specified number of" without indicating what the specified number actually is, or how it was determined. Always provide context or reference to ensure the quantity is understood.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a specified number of" functions as a determiner phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a particular, pre-established quantity. It highlights that the amount is not arbitrary but has been decided or indicated beforehand. Ludwig's examples show its use in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

27%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a specified number of" is a versatile phrase used to indicate a pre-determined quantity, lending clarity and precision to various contexts. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used across diverse fields such as news, science, and academia. To ensure effective communication, it is crucial to provide clear context regarding who or what specified the number. By considering these best practices, writers can confidently use "a specified number of" to convey precise information and avoid ambiguity in their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a designated quantity of

Focuses on the act of officially assigning a particular amount.

a set amount of

Highlights that the quantity is fixed and predetermined.

a defined quantity of

Emphasizes the clarity and precision of the amount.

a prescribed quantity of

Suggests that the amount is dictated by a rule or authority.

a fixed amount of

Highlights the stability and unchanging nature of the quantity.

a particular number of

Indicates a specific, though not necessarily predetermined, quantity.

a certain amount of

Implies a non-specific but limited quantity.

a given quantity of

Focuses on something already known or presented.

an exact number of

Stresses the precision and accuracy of the quantity.

a precise quantity of

Similar to 'exact number', but emphasizes the meticulousness of the amount.

FAQs

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

You can use "a specified number of" to indicate a particular quantity. For example, "The contract requires "a specified number of parts" to be delivered each month."

What are some alternatives to using "a specified number of"?

Alternatives include "a designated quantity of", "a set amount of", or "a defined quantity of", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "a specified number of" or "a specific number of"?

"A specified number of" implies that the number has been predetermined or indicated in some way, while "a specific number of" simply means a particular number. The choice depends on whether the number has been pre-established.

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

"A specified number of" indicates that the quantity is known or has been determined. "A certain number of" implies an unspecified, but limited, quantity that is not precisely known or defined.