greater number

USAGE SUMMARY

"greater number" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a larger amount of something. Example: The greater number of people voted in favor of the proposal.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A potentially greater number lacked steam heat.

The Guardian

Yankee fans had a greater number of independents.

The New York Times

Studies including a greater number of children are needed.

Journal of Clinical Virology

We believe that this creates a greater number of stronger relationships between people, and that it helps people get exposed to a greater number of diverse perspectives.

The Guardian - Tech

A greater number than that, says Ross, and people start to get in each other's way.

The Guardian - Arts

I don't think the left will succeed in mobilizing a greater number of people.

The New York Times

Many experts say the shortage will lead to a greater number of flu-related deaths.

The New York Times

But the greater the art, the greater number of people "own" it.

The New York Times - Arts

A greater number of second and third generation descendants are British, American and Canadian citizens.

The Guardian

We are looking at having a greater number of independent doctors across our matches.

The Guardian - Sport

Rising temperatures will result in a "greater number of days with severe fire danger".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "greater number", ensure that the context clearly defines what is being counted and compared. This helps avoid ambiguity and ensures the sentence is easily understood.

Common error

Avoid using "greater number" with uncountable nouns (e.g., "water", "sand"). Instead, use "greater amount" or "larger quantity". For example, say "a greater amount of water" not "a greater number of water".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "greater number" functions as a determiner phrase, specifying a quantity or amount that is larger than another. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable in written English. It is used to quantify countable items and make comparisons.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

37%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Academia

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "greater number" is a versatile and grammatically sound way to express a larger quantity of countable items. As Ludwig AI states, it's correct and usable in written English. Analysis of numerous examples reveals that it commonly appears in news and scientific contexts, signifying its neutrality and broad applicability. When using "greater number", it's important to ensure you're referring to countable items and that the context clearly establishes the comparison being made. By being mindful of these nuances, you can use "greater number" effectively and accurately in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

larger quantity

Replaces 'number' with the more general term 'quantity'.

higher quantity

Similar to 'larger quantity' but uses 'higher'.

increased amount

Uses 'amount' instead of 'number', suitable for uncountable items.

more numerous

More formal and emphasizes the count.

larger volume

Implies a greater space or capacity.

more significant count

Highlights the importance of the increased quantity.

expanded total

Emphasizes the final sum after an increase.

bulkier portion

Describes a larger segment or share.

amplified figure

Suggests an increase from an original value.

surplus amount

Indicates more than what is needed or expected.

FAQs

How to use "greater number" in a sentence?

Use "greater number" to indicate a larger quantity of countable items. For example, "A "greater number" of participants attended the second workshop compared to the first."

What can I say instead of "greater number"?

You can use alternatives like "larger quantity", "increased amount", or "higher quantity" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "greater number of" or "greater amount of"?

"Greater number of" is used with countable nouns (e.g., people, books), while "greater amount of" is used with uncountable nouns (e.g., water, sand). Using them correctly ensures grammatical accuracy.

What's the difference between "greater number" and "higher number"?

While both phrases indicate a larger quantity, "greater number" is generally used for countable items, and "higher number" can refer to a numerical value or rank. For example, "A "greater number" of students passed the exam," versus "The company reported a "higher number" in sales this quarter".