enlarge the number

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "enlarge the number" is not commonly used in written English and may sound awkward.
It could be used in contexts where you want to express the idea of increasing a quantity or amount, but it is better to use more standard expressions. Example: "We need to enlarge the number of participants in the study to ensure more reliable results."

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

"We need to take pieces of his power and enlarge the number of cities we control.

The New York Times

Subsequent events have tended, in loose usage, to enlarge the number of lands included in the definition.

Encyclopedia Britannica

However, it has proved extremely fruitful and useful to enlarge the number concept to include square roots of negative numbers.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He also aims to enlarge the number of childminders in Hackney, another policy that could create employment and help boost incomes.

The Guardian

They agreed to enlarge the number of seats, with two-thirds to be filled from party lists, rather than through direct elections of individuals.

The Economist

World Rugby boss Brett Gosper has said a future World Cup could enlarge the number of teams taking part without losing competitiveness.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

ART coverage in the study area is already around 70% using current treatment criteria in Malawi, but recently adjusted criteria will see the numbers of HIV-infected adults who are eligible for ART increase[35], while increased access to HIV testing and increased confidence in the health care system will enlarge the numbers seeking care.

Plosone

The Internet hasn't actually transformed sex, but it has enlarged the number and the kinds of people with access to the whole spectrum of erotic experience.

The New Yorker

At the same time, Grant named Joseph P. Bradley to fill a new seat on the court, which had been made available by a Congressional authorization enlarging the number of the justices from eight to nine.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This fits with the flow of previous strategies: During the Cold War the United States "contained" enemies to protect partners; during the Clinton administration the U.S. "enlarged" the number of democratic partners, and now the U.S. would "enable" partners to help us maintain global stability.

The New York Times

This design method allows enlarging the number of design options and the possibilities of different ways of evolution.

European Transport Research Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

While grammatically correct, consider using more common alternatives like "increase the number of" for clearer and more natural-sounding writing.

Common error

Avoid using "enlarge the number" excessively in formal contexts where simpler alternatives like "increase the quantity" or "expand the scope" would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "enlarge the number" functions as a verb phrase typically used to describe the action of increasing a specific quantity or amount. Ludwig AI suggests that more standard expressions can be used instead for improved clarity.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

64%

News & Media

28%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "enlarge the number" is grammatically sound, it's not the most common or preferred way to express the idea of increasing a quantity. As highlighted by Ludwig, alternatives such as "increase the number" or "expand the number" are often clearer and more widely used. The phrase appears in a mix of formal and neutral contexts, with a notable presence in scientific literature and news media. Choosing simpler alternatives can enhance clarity and make your writing more accessible.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

increase the number of

More common and direct way to express the same meaning of making a count higher.

expand the number of

Implies a broadening or widening in addition to a simple increase.

augment the number of

More formal and emphasizes adding to something already existing.

grow the number of

Suggests a more natural or organic increase over time.

boost the number of

Implies a quick or forceful increase.

inflate the number of

Suggests an artificial or potentially misleading increase.

amplify the number of

Emphasizes the scale or impact of the increase.

maximize the number of

Focuses on achieving the highest possible count.

build up the number of

Suggests a gradual and cumulative increase.

add to the number of

A simple and direct way of expressing an incremental increase.

FAQs

What is the best way to use "enlarge the number" in a sentence?

While grammatically correct, consider using it sparingly. More common alternatives like "increase the number" or "expand the number" are often clearer and more natural.

What can I say instead of "enlarge the number"?

You can use alternatives like "increase the number", "expand the number", or "augment the number" depending on the specific context.

Is "enlarge the number" formal or informal?

It leans towards formal, but it's not the most common phrasing. A more neutral alternative like "increase the number" is generally preferred in most contexts.

What's the difference between "enlarge the number" and "increase the number"?

While semantically similar, "increase the number" is more frequently used and generally considered a clearer and more direct way to express the same idea.