an impressive number

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an impressive number" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a quantity that is notably large or significant in a positive context. Example: "The charity event raised an impressive number of donations this year, surpassing all previous records."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Still, its an impressive number, designed of course, to impress….

TechCrunch

That's an impressive number.

The New York Times

That sounds like an impressive number.

The New Yorker

In fact, this is an impressive number.

The Economist

Is that an impressive number?

The New Yorker

Yes, he's won an impressive number of jackpots.

The New York Times

The Metropolitan Museum of Art also has an impressive number of Picassos; then again, it just about has an impressive number of everything.

The New York Times

Huang Ruo, still young, is churning out an impressive number of commissions for significant institutions.

The New York Times - Arts

Lately, I.B.M. has been first or nearly so with an impressive number of microchip developments.

The New York Times

Even its critics concede that, given the circumstances, Benedict got an impressive number of things right.

The New York Times

It works, with an impressive number of its fellows immediately springing into new and higher jobs.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary your vocabulary to avoid overuse. While "an impressive number" is useful, synonyms like "a substantial amount" or "a noteworthy figure" can add nuance and sophistication to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "an impressive number" when the quantity is actually quite small or insignificant in context. Overstating the impact can weaken your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an impressive number" primarily functions as a determiner phrase, modifying a noun (usually countable) to indicate a quantity that is remarkably large or significant. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable phrase. Examples demonstrate its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "an impressive number" is a grammatically correct and frequently used way to describe a quantity that is notably large or significant. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate for various contexts, particularly news and media, science, and encyclopedia writing. While the phrase is useful, consider alternatives like "a considerable quantity" or "a significant amount" to add variety to your writing. Just be mindful of the scale and avoid using it for quantities that are not truly impressive. By understanding its proper use and alternatives, you can effectively convey the magnitude and impact of numbers in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a large quantity

A more straightforward way of expressing a considerable amount.

a considerable quantity

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

a substantial quantity

Similar to "considerable quantity" but with a stronger emphasis on size.

a remarkable amount

Highlights the unusual or exceptional nature of the amount.

a significant amount

Focuses on the importance of the amount, rather than just its size.

a sizable amount

Suggests the amount is quite large.

a striking number

Emphasizes the visual or immediate impact of the number.

a noteworthy figure

Shifts the focus to the figure itself being remarkable.

a vast quantity

Implies an extremely large amount or number.

a great many

An idiomatic expression denoting a large number.

FAQs

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

You can use "an impressive number" to describe a quantity that is notably large or significant. For example, "The charity event raised "an impressive number" of donations this year, surpassing all previous records."

What can I say instead of "an impressive number"?

You can use alternatives like "a considerable quantity", "a significant amount", or "a large quantity" depending on the specific context.

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

Yes, "an impressive number" is suitable for formal writing, particularly when you want to emphasize the magnitude or impact of a specific quantity. However, consider the alternatives mentioned above to add variety.

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

While both phrases convey a sense of significance, "an amazing number" tends to imply a greater sense of surprise or wonder, whereas "an impressive number" focuses more on the noteworthy size or amount.