an infinite number of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an infinite number of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing concepts related to mathematics, philosophy, or any context where the idea of limitless quantity is relevant. Example: "In mathematics, there are an infinite number of points on a line segment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Best Tweet, II: "An infinite number of monkeys with an infinite number of typewriters would eventually intercept an infinite number of Romo passes". Via here.

The Washington Post

There's an infinite number of examples.

Yale University

Also, there would be an infinite number of us, doing an infinite number of things.

Cornell University

"In fact, there are an infinite number of realities".

The New Yorker

But there could be an infinite number of parallel universes.

The New York Times

Eventually, one hole will have an infinite number of pigeons.

The New Yorker

"On the Internet, there's an infinite number of channels.

The New York Times - Tech

"There are an infinite number of ways" to do it.

The Washington Post

If an infinite number of monkeys makes an infinite number of smartphone cases, will they eventually sell one?

The Guardian - Tech

There's an infinite number of paths you could take.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Now you can pick from an infinite number of narratives.

Columbia University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an infinite number of", ensure the context genuinely implies a limitless quantity, not just a very large one. Overusing it can weaken your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "an infinite number of" when you actually mean a finite, though very large, quantity. For example, saying "There are an infinite number of stars in the sky" is technically incorrect, as the number, while vast, is still finite. Use 'countless' or 'innumerable' instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an infinite number of" functions as a determiner phrase specifying the quantity of a noun. It indicates that the noun exists in a limitless or unbounded quantity. The Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Academia

32%

Science

17%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "an infinite number of" is a grammatically correct and widely used expression for indicating a limitless quantity. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While versatile, it's important to use it accurately, ensuring that the context genuinely implies a lack of limits. Alternatives like "countless" or "numerous" are more appropriate when describing very large, but finite, quantities. The phrase appears most frequently in news, academic, and scientific contexts, demonstrating its broad applicability. Ludwig's examples highlight its use in diverse scenarios, from discussing possibilities to describing theoretical concepts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an unlimited quantity of

Focuses on the lack of restrictions rather than the size of the quantity.

a countless number of

Emphasizes the inability to count the items, implying a very large quantity.

an endless stream of

Suggests a continuous flow of items, more dynamic than a static quantity.

a myriad of

Highlights the variety and diversity within the large quantity.

innumerable instances of

More formal and emphasizes specific occurrences or examples.

boundless amounts of

Implies no limits or boundaries to the quantity, often used for abstract concepts.

an inexhaustible supply of

Focuses on the idea that the quantity will never run out.

a plethora of

Suggests an excessive or abundant quantity, sometimes with a negative connotation.

an unquantifiable amount of

Highlights the impossibility of measuring the quantity.

a limitless expanse of

Evokes a vast and unbounded extent, often used for spatial or abstract concepts.

FAQs

How do I use "an infinite number of" in a sentence?

Use "an infinite number of" to describe something that is limitless or without end. For example, "There are an infinite number of possibilities when writing fiction."

What are some alternatives to "an infinite number of"?

Alternatives include "countless number of", "endless number of", or "limitless number of". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it always accurate to use "an infinite number of"?

No, the term should only be used when something is truly without limit. In many cases, something might simply be very large or numerous, but not technically infinite. Use alternatives like "countless" or "numerous" in those cases.

What is the difference between "an infinite number of" and "a large number of"?

"An infinite number of" refers to a quantity that has no end or limit, whereas "a large number of" simply means there is a significant quantity, but it is still finite.