an unknown number

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an unknown number" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a quantity or figure that is not specified or is not known. Example: "The report indicated that there were an unknown number of participants in the study, making it difficult to draw conclusions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

An officer shoots him an unknown number of times.

The Washington Post

There were an unknown number of injuries.

The Guardian

There is also an unknown number of uncollared lions.

The New Yorker

I received a text from an unknown number.

The New Yorker

Gomez noted that "an unknown number of demonstrators were injured".

The Guardian

Meanwhile, an unknown number of hostages were being held inside the mall, by an unknown number of assailants.

The New Yorker

There are also an unknown number of Anglicans and Pentecostals.

The Washington Post

The closure will involve an unknown number of layoffs.

The Telegraph

There were an unknown number of people wounded.

The New York Times

Venezuela has an unknown number of Cuban military advisers.

The Economist

Suppose one has an unknown number of objects.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an unknown number", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being counted or measured. Avoid ambiguity by specifying the units or categories involved.

Common error

Avoid using "an unknown number" when a more precise estimate is possible. If even a rough approximation is available, it's often better to provide that rather than implying complete ignorance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an unknown number" functions as a determiner phrase modifying a noun, indicating that the quantity or count of something is not known or specified. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

22%

Huffington Post

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

The Guardian

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an unknown number" is a versatile phrase used to denote an unspecified quantity. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently encountered across diverse contexts, particularly in news and media, science, and encyclopedias. While alternatives like "an unspecified amount" exist, the choice depends on the nuance you wish to convey. When using "an unknown number", ensure clarity by specifying the units and avoid exaggeration when more precise estimations are possible. Remember the word is "number", so should refer to items that are actually countable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an unspecified quantity

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

an undetermined amount

Uses "amount" instead of "number", implying a continuous quantity rather than discrete units.

an unquantified figure

Emphasizes the lack of quantification of the figure.

an incalculable quantity

Highlights the difficulty or impossibility of calculating the number.

an indefinite quantity

Stresses the lack of a definite or precise quantity.

a countless number

Implies a very large number that is difficult to count.

an uncounted sum

Focuses on the total or sum of items that haven't been individually counted.

a number that is not known

A more verbose way of stating the basic meaning, emphasizing the lack of knowledge.

a hidden amount

Suggests the quantity is intentionally concealed or not easily discoverable.

an unrevealed quantity

Emphasizes that the quantity has not been disclosed or made public.

FAQs

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

Use "an unknown number" to indicate an unspecified quantity or amount, such as "an unknown number of people were affected by the event".

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

Alternatives include "an unspecified amount", "an undetermined quantity", or "an indefinite number" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "an unknown number" or "an unspecified number"?

Both "an unknown number" and "an unspecified number" are correct. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the lack of knowledge (unknown) or the lack of specific details (unspecified).

When should I use "an unknown number" versus "several" or "many"?

"Several" and "many" imply a relatively small but not precisely defined quantity. Use "an unknown number" when you genuinely have no idea about the quantity and cannot even make an educated guess. Otherwise, "several" or "many" might be more appropriate.