had a number of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "had a number of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that there are several items, people, or instances of something. Example: "The committee had a number of suggestions for improving the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

This arrangement had a number of consequences.

The New Yorker

That has had a number of effects.

The New York Times

Seems I had a number of warrants.

The Guardian - Film

It had a number of participation exemptions.

The New York Times

"And we've had a number of blowouts".

The New York Times

We have had a number of injuries.

The New York Times - Sports

We have had a number of successes.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

This has a number of dangers.

The Economist

He has a number of alibis.

The Economist

Spurs have a number of injury worries.

Independent

This has a number of negative consequences.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "had a number of", consider whether a more specific quantifier (e.g., "several", "many", "dozens") would provide greater clarity or impact.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on "had a number of" in every instance. Vary your language by using more precise quantifiers or descriptive adjectives to enhance the richness and detail of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "had a number of" functions as a quantifier, indicating the presence of multiple items, instances, or entities. It is used to express that something existed or occurred more than once. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely applicable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Reference

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "had a number of" is a versatile quantifier used to indicate the presence of multiple instances or items without specifying an exact amount. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used across different contexts. Its frequency is considered very common, appearing often in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business settings. While it's a useful phrase, varying your language with more specific quantifiers can enhance clarity and precision in writing. To further refine your writing, consider using the alternative phrases like "had several" or "experienced numerous".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

had several

Replaces "a number of" with "several", indicating more than two but not a large quantity. This is a direct synonym replacement.

had many

Replaces "a number of" with "many", suggesting a large quantity. Implies a greater quantity than "several".

possessed multiple

Uses "possessed" instead of "had", and "multiple" in place of "a number of", adding a slightly more formal tone.

experienced numerous

Uses "experienced" instead of "had" and "numerous" instead of "a number of", suggesting a range of experiences.

encountered various

Replaces "had" with "encountered" and "a number of" with "various", implying a diverse set of interactions or challenges.

displayed a range of

Uses "displayed" to indicate showing something in a number and "a range of" instead of "a number of", focusing on variety.

showed a variety of

Similar to 'displayed a range of', but using 'showed' to emphasize exhibiting a varied selection.

featured an array of

Uses "featured" to imply a prominent display and "an array of" to indicate a diverse collection.

included a selection of

Emphasizes the act of including specific items from a larger set.

comprised a multitude of

This alternative changes the initial verb and uses 'multitude' which implies a very large number, making it suitable for contexts where quantity is significant.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "had a number of"?

You can use alternatives such as "had several", "had many", or "possessed multiple" depending on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is "had a number of" formal or informal?

"Had a number of" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, for more formal writing, consider using alternatives like "experienced numerous".

How can I make my writing more precise than using "had a number of"?

To be more precise, use specific quantifiers such as "featured an array of" or "included a selection of" instead of "had a number of" when the exact quantity isn't as important as the variety.

When is it appropriate to use "had a number of"?

It's appropriate to use "had a number of" when you want to indicate that there were multiple instances or items, but the exact quantity is either unknown or not particularly relevant. For example, "The project "had a number of" challenges to overcome".