certain number of

USAGE SUMMARY

"certain number of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express a quantity that is unspecified, approximate, or variable. For example, "We are limited to a certain number of guests at the dinner."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"A certain number of ships can only process a certain number of people," he said.

The Guardian

A certain number of them are going to get away.

The New York Times

"We condition them to pitch a certain number of innings.

The New York Times - Sports

"This bet is founded on a certain number of risks".

The New York Times

"It's getting a certain number of balls in the air".

The New York Times

"I want to play in a certain number of matches.

The Guardian - Sport

"He didn't wait a certain number of days.

The New York Times

"In France we have a certain number of principles.

The Guardian

A certain number of stories will be free to read.

The Guardian

"The cops have to write a certain number of parkers, and a certain number of movers," the official said.

The New York Times

According to some journalists, products can be featured in editorial spreads as part of an advertising deal: a certain number of mentions over a certain number of issues.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "certain number of", ensure the context implies why the number is not specified, whether due to confidentiality, estimation, or variability.

Common error

While "certain number of" is acceptable in many situations, avoid overuse in highly formal writing where a more precise term like "specific quantity" or "designated amount" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "certain number of" functions as a determiner phrase specifying a quantity that is indefinite or unspecified. Ludwig provides examples such as "A certain number of ships can only process a certain number of people" which shows its use in quantifying an unknown amount.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

26%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "certain number of" is a versatile and frequently used way to express an unspecified quantity across a variety of contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While it's common in news, general writing and science contexts, consider more precise alternatives like "specific quantity of" or "designated amount" for formal or scientific writing where specificity is preferred. Remember, it's important the context clarifies why the number remains unspecified.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an unspecified quantity of

Explicitly states that the quantity is not specified, which can be more direct than "certain number".

an indefinite amount of

Mirrors the meaning of "unspecified quantity", indicating a quantity that is not precisely defined.

specific quantity of

Replaces "number" with "quantity" and "certain" with "specific", implying a particular but unnamed amount.

a restricted number of

Similar to "limited quantity," but specifies that the limitation applies to a countable number.

a given quantity of

Substitutes "certain" with "given", suggesting a quantity that has been pre-established or determined, even if not explicitly stated.

a particular amount of

Similar to "specific quantity", but uses "particular" to emphasize that the amount is distinct or noteworthy.

some amount of

Uses "some" to indicate an indefinite quantity, which is less precise than "certain number".

a limited quantity of

Highlights that the quantity is not only unspecified but also restricted or finite.

a set amount of

Implies a fixed or predetermined quantity, offering a more concrete sense compared to "certain number".

an estimated amount of

Indicates that the quantity is approximate, which may be relevant depending on the context.

FAQs

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

Use "certain number of" to refer to a quantity that is known to exist but is not precisely defined. For example, "A certain number of students failed the exam."

What are some alternatives to "certain number of"?

You can use alternatives like "specific quantity of", "some amount of", or "unspecified quantity of" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "a certain number of" or specify the exact number?

It depends on the context. If the exact number is unknown, using "a certain number of" is appropriate. If the exact number is known and relevant, it's better to specify it.

What's the difference between "certain number of" and "specific number of"?

"Certain number of" implies the quantity is known but not specified, while "specific number of" suggests the quantity is identified and distinct, but might still not be stated precisely. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the lack of specificity or the existence of a defined amount.