an expanding number of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an expanding number of" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate that the number of something is increasing. For example, "Over the past decade, an expanding number of people have been using online banking services."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

An ever-expanding army of mobile workers needs an expanding number of places to meet and work.

The Economist

Curtis, who has his own emotional and professional needs, must juggle an expanding number of conflicting duties.

The New York Times

Tuesday's articles added to an expanding number of studies pointing to serious side effects suffered by patients given Infuse.

The New York Times

But don't count out Latrell (39) or Keyshawn (43) or an expanding number of Elvises (56 last year, up from 32 in 1998).

The New York Times

The Center includes an expanding number of clinical investigators, across disciplines, who are pursuing aging research related to disability and disabling disorders.

Yale University

But, she noted, this is only one in an expanding number of environmental challenges that the Environmental Protection Agency has won in recent years.

The New York Times

Quicken Loans, an online direct lender, has an expanding number of customer-written reviews — both positive and negative — on buying and refinancing.

The New York Times

The appetite for turning financial institutions into real commercial operations disappeared also.Reform was relegated to an expanding number of squabbling bureaucracies.

The Economist

Mr. Miyake is part of an expanding number of Japanese business people who study for a degree while working, often getting their M.B.A. at unconventional schools.

The New York Times

Female urethral reconstruction can be used successfully to treat a heterogeneous group of urethral disorders through an expanding number of unique approaches.

The Journal of Urology

"The media marketplace has become increasingly dynamic and competitive, with an expanding number of information outlets and media platforms, and more Americans than ever before are using these options," said William E. Kennard, the commission's chairman.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an expanding number of", ensure that the noun following 'of' is plural. For example, "an expanding number of opportunities", not "an expanding number of opportunity".

Common error

Avoid using "an expanding number of" with singular nouns. It should always be followed by a plural noun to correctly indicate an increasing count.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an expanding number of" functions as a determiner phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a growing quantity. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use across various domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "an expanding number of" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote a growing quantity or count. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread applicability across diverse fields like news, science, and academia. It is crucial to use it with plural nouns and consider synonyms like "a growing quantity of" or "an increasing amount of" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a growing quantity of

Replaces "number" with "quantity", emphasizing the amount rather than the count.

an increasing amount of

Shifts focus to continuous increase rather than a specific count.

a proliferation of

Emphasizes rapid and widespread increase.

a surge in

Highlights a sudden and dramatic increase.

a ballooning figure of

Uses a visual metaphor to describe a rapidly increasing number.

a mounting accumulation of

Suggests a gradual but steady increase.

a burgeoning collection of

Implies a flourishing and expanding assortment.

a swell of

Suggests a gradual increase in size or volume.

a build-up of

Emphasizes a gradual accumulation over time.

a climbing total of

Emphasizes the increase from a numerical perspective.

FAQs

How can I use "an expanding number of" in a sentence?

Use "an expanding number of" to describe a situation where something is increasing in quantity or count. For example, "There's "an expanding number of" students applying to universities each year".

What's a synonym for "an expanding number of"?

Alternatives include "a growing number of", "an increasing amount of", or "a proliferation of", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "an increasing number" or "an expanding number"?

Both "increasing" and "expanding" are acceptable. "Increasing" is more common, but "expanding" can add emphasis to the growth. The choice depends on the specific context and desired tone.

What contexts is "an expanding number of" most suitable for?

This phrase is suitable for describing trends, growth in statistics, or increases in quantities. It is versatile and fits well in news, academic, and business writing.