generous number of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "generous number of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a quantity that is considered ample or more than sufficient in a positive context. Example: "The event attracted a generous number of attendees, exceeding our expectations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

The prize is a generous number of euros and a bespoke suit from Turin proper.

The New Yorker

The best thing about this exhibition is that it includes a generous number of Picasso's works.

The Guardian - Arts

Inside, all of the apartments have features like open floor plans, a generous number of windows, marble and slate finishes, a washer and dryer, and direct Internet access.

The New York Times

A week ago, at a party for elderly residents given by parents, a display of the school administration building was decorated with a generous number of toy rats.

The New York Times

The calamari salad had a generous number of tender, crisp ringlets tossed with arugula and radicchio in a black sesame seed vinaigrette.

The New York Times

The writers are ruthless: characters are developed over a generous number of episodes, only to be brutally killed off as the man-eating behemoths attack.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

That helps to make the open-world element of the game an absolute tinkerer's dream; Dambuster Studios has thrown in generous numbers of side-missions and random events, for which you are rewarded.

The Guardian - Tech

Also, the compromise amendments with the House agriculture committee that provide for generous numbers of potential offsets from the agricultural sector (regulated not by EPA, but by USDA!) are troubling -- not in terms of driving up compliance costs, but in terms of reducing the real environmental performance of the system.

Huffington Post

The majority of awards for the Battle of Romani went to British troops, including a generous number to officers of Murray's staff.

Wikipedia

One reason is that the scheme has become more generous, with the number of paid leave days for the first child being bumped up from 180 to 480.

The Economist

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program became more generous in a number of ways, and, as noted, it provides less cushion for the average married woman than it does for the average unmarried woman head of household.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "generous number of", ensure the noun it modifies is countable. For uncountable nouns, consider using "generous amount of" instead.

Common error

Avoid using "generous number of" with uncountable nouns. Instead, opt for "generous amount of" or "considerable quantity of" to maintain grammatical accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "generous number of" functions as a pre-modifier, specifically an adjectival phrase, that quantifies a countable noun. It indicates a quantity that is considered ample or more than sufficient in a positive sense. Ludwig AI confirms this as grammatically correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "generous number of" is a grammatically correct and frequently used adjectival phrase that indicates a plentiful quantity of countable items. Ludwig AI validates its proper usage in English, highlighting its function to express an ample or more-than-sufficient amount. While suitable for various contexts, it is predominantly found in News & Media, Science and Wiki, maintaining a generally neutral tone. When writing, ensure the noun is countable, and for uncountable nouns, consider alternatives such as "ample amount of" or "substantial quantity of". Its versatility and established presence in reputable sources make it a valuable tool in conveying abundance with a touch of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

large quantity of

A more straightforward way to express a significant amount.

ample amount of

Replaces "number" with "amount", suitable for uncountable nouns.

substantial quantity of

Substitutes "generous number" with a more formal expression emphasizing a large quantity.

a good deal of

Implies a sizable amount, though less formal.

considerable quantity of

Similar to "substantial quantity", highlighting the largeness of the amount.

abundant quantity of

Emphasizes the richness and profusion of the amount.

plentiful supply of

Suggests an abundance or surplus of something.

a wealth of

Suggests a rich and abundant supply.

more than enough

Indicates that the quantity is sufficient and possibly excessive.

copious amount of

Emphasizes the abundance, often in a literary context.

FAQs

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

You can use "generous number of" to describe a plentiful quantity of countable items. For example, "The event attracted a generous number of attendees."

What can I say instead of "generous number of"?

You can use alternatives like "ample amount of", "substantial quantity of", or "large quantity of" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "generous number of" or "large amount of"?

"Generous number of" is used with countable nouns, while "large amount of" is used with uncountable nouns. Choose the phrase that aligns with the noun you're describing.

What's the difference between "generous number of" and "a lot of"?

"Generous number of" is more formal and precise, suggesting a significant quantity that is positively regarded. "A lot of" is more informal and doesn't necessarily imply a positive connotation. While they both express a quantity, "generous number of" adds an element of approval or appreciation for the amount.