a startling number of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a startling number of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize the surprising or unexpected quantity of something in a statement. Example: "A startling number of people reported feeling anxious during the pandemic."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A startling number of the victims are schoolchildren.

The New York Times

True, a startling number of old Etonians slope, languidly, around today's corridors of power.

The Economist

A startling number of his nominees for senior positions have imploded.

The Economist

In the parking lot outside, there were a startling number of new Humvees.

The New Yorker

What Memorial's researchers found was a startling number of minor and major errors.

The Guardian - Books

And a startling number of his machines do nothing but wretch and vomit.

The New York Times - Arts

A startling number of Asian-Americans, Pacific Islanders and South Asian-Americans.

The Guardian - Books

The boxes Candler's workshop clients learn to construct are complex contraptions with a startling number of folds and angles.

The New York Times - Books

BEFORE growing up to become farmers, a startling number of America's rural kids are taught how to build rockets.

The Economist

But since I "came out", I found a startling number of do-it-all fathers who are suffering too.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But a startling number of people in the financial industry believe they need to be in and around New York.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary your vocabulary by using synonyms like "a staggering number of" or "a surprising amount of" to avoid repetition and maintain reader engagement.

Common error

Avoid using "a startling number of" too frequently in your writing. Overuse can diminish its impact and make your writing sound repetitive. Instead, opt for varied phrasing and descriptive language to convey the same meaning in different ways.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a startling number of" functions as a determiner phrase, specifically quantifying a noun. It emphasizes the unexpected or surprisingly large quantity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Wiki

0.5%

Reference

0.5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a startling number of" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to emphasize unexpectedly large quantities. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and useful in formal writing. It appears most frequently in News & Media contexts and offers a way to capture the reader's attention. When writing, be sure to avoid overuse and consider synonyms like "a staggering amount of" for variety. This expression is particularly effective for introducing surprising or noteworthy statistics.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a staggering amount of

Replaces "startling" with "staggering", indicating a very large and impressive quantity.

a surprising quantity of

Replaces "number" with "quantity", suitable when referring to uncountable items. Somewhat less emphatic than the original.

an unexpectedly large quantity of

Focuses on the unexpected nature of the quantity. Replaces "startling" with "unexpectedly large".

a shocking quantity of

Highlights the shocking or disturbing nature of the number or amount.

a surprisingly substantial amount of

Emphasizes the substantial nature of the amount and the surprise associated with it.

a remarkably high amount of

Emphasizes the amount being high and remarkable, rather than startling.

a considerable quantity of

Replaces "startling" with "considerable", indicating a notable or significant quantity.

a noteworthy number of

Emphasizes that the number is worth noting or paying attention to.

a surprisingly great deal of

Uses "great deal" to indicate a significant amount, highlighting surprise. Slightly more informal.

an alarming proportion of

Indicates a concerning or alarming percentage or fraction of something. Focuses on proportion rather than number.

FAQs

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

Use "a startling number of" to introduce a quantity or amount that is surprisingly large or unexpected. For example, "A startling number of students failed the exam."

What can I say instead of "a startling number of"?

You can use alternatives like "a surprising amount of", "a staggering number of", or "an unexpectedly large quantity of" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "a startling number of" in formal writing?

Yes, "a startling number of" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when you want to emphasize an unexpected or surprisingly large quantity. However, ensure that the tone aligns with the overall formality of the piece.

What's the difference between "a startling number of" and "a significant number of"?

"A startling number of" implies surprise or unexpectedness, while "a significant number of" simply indicates that the quantity is important or noteworthy. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the surprising aspect or just the importance of the quantity.