a sufficient number of

USAGE SUMMARY

"a sufficient number of" is a correct phrase to use in written English.
You could use it to refer to a specific quantity needed to achieve a certain result. For example, "We need to obtain a sufficient number of signatures on this petition in order to get the initiative on the ballot."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Before long, I had amassed a sufficient number of circles.

The New Yorker

The average of a sufficient number of guesses will get the number of jellybeans right.

The Guardian - Books

Anything that a sufficient number of people in green eyeshades declare, I'll endorse.

The New Yorker

When she answered a sufficient number of problems correctly, she advanced to the next section.

The New Yorker

(what 19th-century Italian opera doesn't?) Both leave behind a sufficient number of dead bodies.

The New York Times - Arts

In a general way, there were a sufficient number of personal links between Beckett and Ernst.

The Guardian

But he failed to persuade a sufficient number of colleagues to go along with his proposal, and the I.M.U.

The New Yorker

"Right now we don't have the infrastructure to train a sufficient number of green-collar workers," Mr. Jones said.

The New York Times

And certainly there will not be a sufficient number of politicians with enough courage to legalise drug use.

The Guardian

Under existing demands the UK is, notoriously, failing to attract and train a sufficient number of engineers.

The Guardian

Unable to attract a sufficient number of skilled nurses, the care in some hospitals has become inadequate and unreliable.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To enhance clarity, follow "a sufficient number of" with a specific purpose or context. For instance, "a sufficient number of votes to win the election."

Common error

While grammatically correct, "a sufficient number of" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "enough" or "plenty of" in less formal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sufficient number of" functions as a determiner, specifically a quantifier, modifying a noun to indicate that there is an adequate, though not necessarily excessive, amount. Ludwig's AI confirms it is a grammatically correct phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a sufficient number of" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that acts as a determiner to indicate an adequate quantity. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. While versatile, it is more common in neutral to formal contexts, like News & Media and Science. For informal settings, simpler alternatives like "enough" might be more appropriate. When using the phrase, ensure it refers to countable nouns and consider specifying the purpose for which the quantity is sufficient. Remember that context is king when choosing between "a sufficient number of" and its many alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

enough

This is a more concise and informal way of saying "a sufficient number of".

an adequate amount of

Replaces "number" with "amount", suitable for uncountable nouns.

a satisfactory quantity of

Substitutes "sufficient" with "satisfactory" and "number" with "quantity", adding a slightly more formal tone.

a considerable amount of

Emphasizes a notable, rather than just adequate, quantity or degree.

a substantial quantity of

Indicates a large quantity, implying significance or impact.

the necessary quantity of

Focuses on the requirement of the quantity, highlighting its essential nature.

a requisite number of

A more formal synonym, stressing the required or mandatory aspect.

a fitting quantity of

Suggests an amount that is appropriate or suitable for a specific purpose.

ample

A shorter, more direct way to indicate that there is more than enough.

plenty of

An informal way to say there is more than enough; abundant.

FAQs

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

Use "a sufficient number of" to indicate that there is enough of something to meet a requirement. For example, "We need "a sufficient number of" volunteers to complete the project successfully".

What's the difference between "a sufficient number of" and "enough"?

"Enough" is a simpler and more versatile term. "A sufficient number of" is more formal and emphasizes that the quantity is adequate for a specific purpose. You can often use "enough" as a substitute for "a sufficient number of", but the reverse isn't always true.

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

You can use alternatives like "an adequate number of", "a considerable number of", or simply "enough" depending on the context.

Is it ever incorrect to use "a sufficient number of"?

While grammatically correct, using "a sufficient number of" may sound overly formal in informal situations. Also, be sure to use "a sufficient amount of" when referring to non-countable nouns, rather than "a sufficient number of".