an outrageous number

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an outrageous number" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a quantity that is shockingly high or excessive, often in a negative context. Example: "The company reported an outrageous number of complaints from customers this quarter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

"That's just an outrageous number," Ms. Gibbs said.

The New York Times

But he acknowledged that "16 is an outrageous number".

The New York Times

Trump understands that only an outrageous number can really "attract the public eye and ear".

The New Yorker

"A lot of students at the university feel this is an outrageous number," said Shamsul Haque, the student trustee.

The New York Times

The bride and groom have registered at Crate & Barrel for an outrageous number of useless items, including corn holders, egg cups, those little stirrers that are used only for mint juleps, a pizza stone, and thirty-eight slightly different spatulas, even though the bride and groom have lived together with a perfectly satisfactory number of spatulas for more than three years.

The New Yorker

So when New York City Comptroller Scott Stringer wanted to make a point recently about the fees the city's public-sector pension system had paid to asset managers between 2004 and 2014, he didn't have to work very hard to find an outrageous number.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

It is a outrageous number, but I'm not going to comment anything on a specific number.

TechCrunch

He threw an absolutely outrageous number of pitches and unsurprisingly burned out, but he actually plays a much more important role in the Dodger pitching tradition than I think people realize.

Los Angeles Times

"This was an outrageous act.

Independent

Last year, the Washington Post's Glenn Kessler helpfully suggested a source for Trump's most outrageous number: forty-two-per-cent unemployment.

The New Yorker

Last year, the Washington Post's Glenn Kessler helpfully suggested a source for Trump's most outrageous number: forty-two-per-cent unemployment.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an outrageous number", ensure the context clearly indicates what is considered outrageous and why. Provide specific details or comparisons to illustrate the extent of the quantity.

Common error

Avoid using "an outrageous number" when the quantity is already understood to be large or excessive. Instead, focus on the consequences or implications of the quantity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an outrageous number" primarily functions as a determiner phrase that modifies a noun, indicating a quantity that is shockingly high or excessive. Ludwig examples show its use in describing surprising or unacceptable amounts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "an outrageous number" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a quantity that is shockingly high or excessive. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. It's frequently used in News & Media and Academia to express surprise or concern about a particular amount. When using this phrase, ensure the context clarifies why the number is considered outrageous. Alternatives include "an excessively high quantity" or "an exorbitant figure", but it's important to avoid using it when the excessiveness is already apparent.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an excessively high quantity

Focuses on the excessiveness of the quantity.

an unacceptably large amount

Highlights the unacceptability of the quantity.

an exorbitant figure

Emphasizes the extremeness of the numerical value.

a shockingly high count

Stresses the surprising nature of the high count.

an unexpectedly large sum

Highlights the surprise element of the large sum.

a preposterous quantity

Uses a more informal term to describe the quantity.

a scandalous amount

Suggests the amount is morally offensive.

a mind-boggling figure

Highlights the overwhelming nature of the number.

an unreasonable quantity

Focuses on the lack of reason in the quantity.

an extreme quantity

Emphasizes the extremity of the quantity.

FAQs

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

You can use "an outrageous number" to describe a quantity that is shockingly high or excessive. For example, "The company received "an outrageous number" of complaints this quarter".

What are some alternatives to saying "an outrageous number"?

Alternatives include "an excessively high quantity", "an unacceptably large amount", or "an exorbitant figure", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What makes a number "outrageous"?

A number is considered "outrageous" when it is surprisingly high or excessive, often beyond what is considered acceptable or reasonable within a given context. The perception of what constitutes as outrageous may vary from individual to individual and from field to field.

Is it always negative to describe something as "an outrageous number"?

While "an outrageous number" typically carries a negative connotation, it can also be used in a neutral or even positive sense when emphasizing the impressiveness or unexpectedness of a large quantity. The context should always clarify the intended meaning.