an astounding number

USAGE SUMMARY

'an astounding number' is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express the idea that something is far larger than expected: "An astounding number of people attended the festival this year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That is an astounding number.

The New York Times - Tech

The Harvard Library has an astounding number of resources, with new titles coming in every day!

Harvard University

The Harvard Library has an astounding number of resources, and we get more all the time!

Harvard University

"The question of 700 travel agencies, it's an astounding number," he said.

The New York Times

Taussig was a prolific writer, publishing an astounding number of medical papers.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In their relatively small total land area, an astounding number of plant and animal species exist.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He is on a pace to produce nearly 160 tackles, an astounding number.

The New York Times - Sports

Beginning in 1926, Herman Mankiewicz worked on an astounding number of films in that spirit.

The New Yorker

Since 1991 the steady flow of refugees in Bangladesh reached an astounding number.

The Guardian - Opinion

By 6am surgeons had completed 13 operations, an astounding number for any trauma team.

The Guardian

"It's kind of an astounding number of people," Ms. Page said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase, provide context to clarify why the number is considered astounding. This helps the reader understand the significance and impact of the quantity.

Common error

While "an astounding number" is generally acceptable, overuse in formal or scientific writing can diminish its impact. Consider using more precise or neutral alternatives like "a significant quantity" or "a substantial amount" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an astounding number" functions as a pre-modifier to a noun, typically referring to a count or quantity. It emphasizes that the amount is surprisingly or remarkably large. Ludwig AI confirms that this is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

25%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

3%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "an astounding number" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote a surprisingly large quantity. According to Ludwig AI, it is correct and usable in written English. Predominantly found in News & Media and Academic sources, it serves to express surprise or amazement. When using this phrase, provide context and consider the formality of your writing to ensure it aligns with your intended tone. If formality is key, alternatives such as "a significant quantity" or "a substantial amount" may be more suitable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an immense amount

Uses "immense amount" to highlight the impressive size of the quantity.

a remarkable quantity

Replaces "astounding" with "remarkable", focusing on the noteworthiness of the number.

an unexpectedly high count

Substitutes "astounding" with "unexpectedly high", underscoring the deviation from the norm.

a surprisingly large amount

Uses "surprisingly large amount" to emphasize the unexpected size of the quantity.

a phenomenal figure

Replaces "astounding" with "phenomenal", stressing the exceptional nature of the number.

a breathtaking quantity

Employs "breathtaking" to add a tone of awe.

a staggering sum

Employs "staggering sum" to highlight the overwhelming nature of the total.

an overwhelmingly large quantity

Replaces "astounding" with "overwhelmingly large", focusing on the exceeding and powerful size.

a prodigious quantity

Uses "prodigious quantity" to emphasize the abundance and impressiveness of the amount.

an exceptionally great quantity

Substitutes "astounding" with "exceptionally great", emphasizing the unusual size of the quantity.

FAQs

How can I use "an astounding number" in a sentence?

You can use "an astounding number" to describe a quantity that is surprisingly large, as in, "An astounding number of volunteers showed up to help with the cleanup effort."

What are some synonyms for "an astounding number"?

Alternatives include "a remarkable quantity", "a surprisingly large amount", or "a staggering sum" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "an astounding number" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, consider more neutral alternatives like "a significant quantity" or "a substantial amount" in highly formal or scientific contexts to maintain a professional tone.

What's the difference between "an astounding number" and "an impressive number"?

"An astounding number" implies a higher degree of surprise or disbelief compared to "an impressive number", which simply conveys admiration.