and a number of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "and a number of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that there are several items or people involved in a situation or context. Example: "The committee discussed the proposal and a number of potential changes that could improve it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science & Research

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It took him two summers and a number of weekends.

The New Yorker

And a number of corporate projects were cancelled in Mississippi.

The New Yorker

And a number of cooking celebrities have joined in, too.

The New York Times - Food

It has fine hotels and a number of good restaurants.

The New York Times - Travel

It hit him, and a number of ribs were broken.

The New York Times

One death and a number of injuries were reported.

The New York Times

And a number of government statistics support this.

The New York Times

And a number of Democrats simply disagreed with his position.

The New York Times

"And a number of them have relatively short terms remaining.

The New York Times

Mr. Hill and a number of prominent labor lawyers agree.

The New York Times

And a number of the wines offered are not available.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "and a number of" to introduce a non-specific quantity of items or ideas, providing flexibility when an exact count is unnecessary or unknown.

Common error

While "and a number of" is generally acceptable, avoid overusing it in formal writing. Opt for more precise language like "several" or "many" when appropriate to enhance clarity and conciseness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "and a number of" functions as a quantifier, introducing an unspecified but plural amount. It is used to indicate that there are multiple items, reasons, or examples being considered. As per Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science & Research

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "and a number of" is a versatile phrase used to indicate a non-specific quantity or multiple instances. As verified by Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly employed across diverse contexts, notably in news, encyclopedias, and scientific publications. While generally acceptable, it's advisable to use more precise alternatives like "several" or "many" in formal writing to enhance clarity. The phrase functions as a quantifier, broadening the scope of a statement by acknowledging the presence of numerous contributing elements.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as well as several

Replaces "and a number of" with a direct additive conjunction and quantifier, implying more than one but not specifying an exact amount.

in addition to some

Emphasizes the additive aspect, suggesting the inclusion of a few items along with others.

along with numerous

Indicates a large quantity, similar to "a number of" but with a stronger emphasis on abundance.

besides several

Highlights the presence of multiple items in addition to something else.

plus a few

A more informal way of saying "and a number of", suitable for casual contexts.

together with various

Suggests a collection of different items or elements being considered.

and also many

A more direct and slightly less formal alternative, emphasizing the quantity.

coupled with multiple

Indicates that several items are linked or associated with something else.

furthermore, a quantity of

Emphasizes addition and uses a more formal term to indicate an unspecified amount.

moreover, some

A more concise alternative, suitable for adding a few extra details.

FAQs

How can I use "and a number of" in a sentence?

Use "and a number of" to introduce multiple items, reasons, or examples. For instance: "The project requires new resources "as well as several" team members".

What are some alternatives to "and a number of"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as ""as well as several"", "in addition to some", or "along with numerous".

Is it more formal to say "and a number of" or "several"?

The word "several" is generally more direct and often preferred in formal writing over the phrase "and a number of", which can sometimes sound less precise.

When is it appropriate to use "and a number of" instead of "many"?

Use "and a number of" when the exact quantity is either unknown or unimportant, while "many" is suitable when you want to emphasize a large quantity without being specific.