exceeding a dozen

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "exceeding a dozen" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a quantity that is greater than twelve. Example: "The bakery sold exceeding a dozen pastries by the end of the day."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedia Britannica

The New York Times

BMC Evolutionary Biology

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Orgasm in sleep is generally infrequent, seldom exceeding a dozen times per year for males and three or four times a year for the average female.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

The burden of care has fallen on grandmothers, whose extended families often exceed a dozen children.

The New York Times

With the exception of some ascomycete fungi, all organisms studied have at least two formin-encoding genes, and the number exceeds a dozen in many lineages, including the unicellular flagellate amoeba Naegleria.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

It requires review of only those rules with a yearly effect exceeding $100 million: a dozen or so regulations a year.

The New York Times

While the bands of gatherers rarely exceed a few dozen individuals, the farmers' villages have been known to include as many as 2,000.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Since Mr. Sadr gave his order in mid-September, the numbers of unidentified bodies found on the streets of Baghdad daily have rarely exceeded a half dozen.

The New York Times

"The highly sophisticated militarist elements do not exceed a few dozen members and are highly protected, the rest of the group are simply foot soldiers which the group sends to the frontline of its operations," Sabry said.

The Guardian

However, the actual number of sampled time points rarely exceeds a few dozen.

G3: Genes, Genomes, Genetics

If a practical lead system were being developed it is highly unlikely that the number of recording sites would ever exceed a few dozen.

BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making

She started with oatmeal and chocolate-chip cookies, and production ballooned quickly, at one point exceeding 600 dozen.

The New York Times

And in several dozen instances, fund commission expenses exceeded a portfolio's total expense ratio.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "exceeding a dozen", ensure the context clearly defines what is being measured or counted to avoid ambiguity. For instance, specify "exceeding a dozen units", "exceeding a dozen members".

Common error

Avoid using "exceeding a dozen" when referring to approximate quantities; instead, opt for phrases like "about a dozen" or "around a dozen" if precision isn't necessary.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exceeding a dozen" functions as a quantitative descriptor, indicating that a certain number is greater than twelve. It modifies a noun, specifying that the quantity is more than a dozen. Ludwig examples support this function across various domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Encyclopedias

14%

Science

14%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Academia

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "exceeding a dozen" is a versatile and commonly used expression to indicate that a quantity is greater than twelve. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread applicability. As an alternative, you can use "more than a dozen" or "over a dozen". It is found across various contexts, notably in News & Media, encyclopedias, and science, showcasing its broad utility in both formal and informal communication. When using this phrase, ensure the context is clear to avoid any ambiguity about what is being measured.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

More than a dozen

Direct replacement, emphasizing a quantity greater than twelve.

Over a dozen

Similar to "more than a dozen", indicating a quantity exceeding twelve.

Exceeds twelve

Focuses on the act of surpassing the specific number twelve.

Greater than twelve

A more literal and straightforward way to express the quantity.

Beyond a dozen

Emphasizes moving past the quantity of twelve.

In excess of a dozen

A slightly more formal way to state that the quantity surpasses twelve.

Surpassing a dozen

Highlights the action of exceeding.

More than twelve

Simplifies the expression by directly comparing to the number twelve.

Above a dozen

Indicates a level or amount higher than twelve.

Transcending a dozen

Suggests exceeding in a more significant or impactful way.

FAQs

What does "exceeding a dozen" mean?

The phrase "exceeding a dozen" means that the quantity or amount is more than twelve.

What's a simpler way to say "exceeding a dozen"?

You can use alternatives such as "more than a dozen" or "over a dozen" for simpler phrasing.

Is it correct to say "exceeding a dozen" in formal writing?

Yes, "exceeding a dozen" is suitable for formal writing. However, consider the context and whether a more precise number would be more appropriate.

Can I use "exceeding a dozen" when the exact number is unknown?

Yes, "exceeding a dozen" can be used when the exact number is unknown, but it is known to be more than twelve. Avoid it if you are unsure if the count even reaches a dozen.