a suitable number

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a suitable number" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a number that is appropriate or fitting for a particular context or situation. Example: "We need to determine a suitable number of participants for the study to ensure valid results."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Thus, 5 layers of paper were explored as a suitable number of layers enabling successful multivariate data analysis.

Heritage Science

John needed a suitable number to back his performance of Bennie and the Jets on Soul Train in 1975.

The Guardian - Music

Now I imagine al-Sisi will let the lads out of jail when a suitable number of days or weeks have passed.

Independent

But they may yet leave if Egypt convinces them that it can stop the smuggling by stationing a suitable number of border guards on the frontier.

The Economist

According to the law, institutions must have a suitable number of containers for recyclable materials; provide public education on what should be recycled; and ensure that a municipal or private hauler collects the material.

The New York Times

You organise a qualification schedule, decide on a suitable number of finalists, then stage the tournament in a country keen enough on the game and capable enough of providing venues befitting the occasion.

The Guardian - Sport

The beam was firstly discretized in the longitudinal direction in a suitable number of finite elements.

International Journal of Concrete Structures and Materials

This estimate is then corrected by requesting a suitable number of bits from a channel code.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

A suitable number of components is crucial for a useful model.

Journal of Cheminformatics

It produces high-quality images with a suitable number of dimensions in the random matrix.

EURASIP Journal on Image and Video Processing

To balance efficiency and accuracy, choosing a suitable number of clusters is important.

Journal of Modern Power Systems and Clean Energy

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience and adjust the level of specificity. In technical writing, define "a suitable number" precisely. In general writing, the context might suffice.

Common error

A common mistake is not clarifying what constitutes "a suitable number" in a given context. Without context, the phrase can be ambiguous. Provide clear parameters or examples to avoid confusion and ensure the reader understands the intended quantity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a suitable number" functions as a determiner phrase modifying a noun. It indicates a quantity that is appropriate or adequate for a specific purpose. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

71%

News & Media

23%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a suitable number" is a grammatically correct and very common expression used to indicate an appropriate or adequate quantity. As affirmed by Ludwig AI, its versatility extends across various contexts, including science, news, and formal business settings. When employing this phrase, it's crucial to ensure the context elucidates what constitutes 'suitable' to prevent ambiguity. Alternatives such as "an adequate amount" or "a sufficient quantity" can be used depending on the nuance you wish to convey. With a solid expert rating and consistent application, "a suitable number" remains a reliable and effective phrase for expressing the concept of an optimal quantity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an appropriate quantity

Replaces 'suitable' with 'appropriate', maintaining a formal tone and conveying the idea of fitness.

an adequate amount

Replaces 'number' with 'amount' and 'suitable' with 'adequate', focusing on sufficiency.

a sufficient quantity

Substitutes 'number' with 'quantity' and 'suitable' with 'sufficient', highlighting that there's enough.

a fitting number

Uses 'fitting' instead of 'suitable', suggesting that the number corresponds well with the situation.

a proper amount

Substitutes 'suitable' with 'proper', indicating that the quantity meets the required standards.

the right amount

Uses 'right' instead of 'suitable', simplifying the expression to emphasize correctness.

a satisfactory number

Substitutes 'suitable' with 'satisfactory', suggesting that the number meets expectations or requirements.

an optimal number

Replaces 'suitable' with 'optimal', focusing on the idea that the number is the best possible choice.

the necessary quantity

Replaces 'suitable' with 'necessary', emphasizing that the quantity is essential or required.

an acceptable number

Uses 'acceptable' instead of 'suitable', suggesting that the number is adequate but not necessarily ideal.

FAQs

How do I use "a suitable number" in a sentence?

Use "a suitable number" to indicate an amount that is appropriate or fitting for a particular purpose. For example, "We need "a suitable number" of participants to validate the study results."

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

You can use alternatives like "an adequate amount", "a sufficient quantity", or "the right amount" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "a suitable number" and "a sufficient number"?

While both phrases are similar, "a suitable number" implies appropriateness in a broader sense, whereas "a sufficient number" specifically emphasizes that the amount is enough to meet a particular need.

How do I determine "a suitable number" for my needs?

Determining "a suitable number" depends on the context. Consider factors such as the required level of accuracy, available resources, and specific goals. Researching similar situations or conducting pilot tests can help you identify an appropriate quantity.