a suitable number of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a suitable number of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to an appropriate or acceptable quantity of something in various contexts. Example: "We need to ensure that there is a suitable number of participants for the study to yield valid results."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Then, a suitable number of these descriptors were selected using multiple linear regression (MLR) technique.

European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry

The blocking factor should be chosen such that you get a suitable number of events in each pixel of interest to make the mean be meaningful.

Harvard University

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

Knowledge of the sound intensity at a suitable number of detection points, in a regularly spaced lattice, enables the sound field inside an enclosure to be estimated.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

Both initial and boundary conditions are approximated by means of a suitable number of step functions; therefore the solution presented will be hereafter called Step Function Solution (SFS).

Journal of Hydrology

The image data extraction learning algorithm (IDELA) with dynamic recognitions to automatically match the appropriate feature with a suitable number of radial basis function (RBFs).

Neurocomputing

This paper proposes an algorithm for pruning ELM networks by using regularized regression methods, thus obtaining a suitable number of the hidden nodes in the network architecture.

Neurocomputing

A suitable number of RX units was determined to be R4, since it can be masked by the PEG aqueous layer.

International Journal of Pharmaceutics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a suitable number of", ensure the context makes it clear what criteria determine suitability. Provide additional information or context if necessary.

Common error

Avoid using "a suitable number of" without specifying what makes the number suitable. Being specific enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a suitable number of" functions as a determiner phrase, modifying a noun to indicate an appropriate quantity. Ludwig confirms its correct usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

55%

News & Media

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a suitable number of" is a versatile expression used to denote an adequate or appropriate quantity in various contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. While widely applicable, it's essential to provide context regarding what constitutes 'suitable' to avoid vagueness. Alternatives like "an appropriate amount of" or "a sufficient quantity of" can offer similar meanings. The phrase appears most frequently in scientific, news, and academic sources. It serves the purpose of specifying a quantity that meets certain requirements without being overly precise. This makes it a useful tool in many writing scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an appropriate quantity of

Emphasizes the appropriateness of the amount.

a sufficient amount of

Focuses on the adequacy to meet a need or requirement.

an adequate number of

Highlights that the number is satisfactory or acceptable.

a reasonable quantity of

Suggests the amount is fair and sensible in the given circumstances.

a fitting number of

Implies the number is well-suited or matches the situation.

an optimal quantity of

Highlights that the amount is best or most favorable.

a proportional number of

Emphasizes that the amount is in balance or correct relation to something else.

a respectable number of

Suggests the quantity is notably large or significant.

an acceptable quantity of

Focuses on the amount being permitted or tolerated.

the necessary quantity of

Highlights that the amount is required or essential.

FAQs

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

Use "a suitable number of" to indicate an appropriate or adequate quantity. For example, "Ensure there are "sufficient resources" to complete the project successfully."

What phrases can replace "a suitable number of"?

You can use alternatives such as "an appropriate amount of", "an adequate number of", or "a sufficient quantity of" depending on the context.

Is it better to be specific instead of using "a suitable number of"?

While "a suitable number of" is acceptable, being specific provides clarity. For example, instead of "Employ a suitable number of staff", consider "Employ five staff members."

When is it appropriate to use "a suitable number of"?

It's appropriate when the exact quantity is either unknown, variable, or depends on specific conditions. In scientific research, determining "an optimal sample size" may require preliminary testing.