in a number of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in a number of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something occurs in several instances or cases. Example: "In a number of studies, researchers found a correlation between sleep and productivity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Team ushered in a number of reforms and initiatives.

The Guardian

That matters in a number of ways.

The New Yorker

Cells communicate in a number of ways.

The New York Times - Science

You've acted in a number of languages.

The Guardian

Generalizes ParallelContext.splitcell in a number of ways.

Yale University

Disincentives come in a number of forms.

Harvard Business Review

It helps in a number of ways.

The Guardian

'It could happen in a number of locations.

The New York Times

Such outbreaks have been reported in a number of cities.

The New York Times

You've got to get it in a number of dealerships".

The New York Times

He also participated in a number of unusual experiments.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in a number of" to indicate multiple instances without needing to specify an exact count. This works well when the precise quantity is either unknown or unimportant.

Common error

While "in a number of" is generally acceptable, it can sometimes sound less direct in formal contexts. Opt for more specific alternatives like "several" or "numerous" to improve clarity and conciseness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in a number of" functions as a prepositional modifier, introducing a quantity that is more than one but not precisely defined. Ludwig AI states that the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It modifies nouns by specifying that there are multiple instances.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Academia

25%

Formal & Business

18%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "in a number of" is a versatile phrase used to indicate multiple instances or examples without specifying an exact count. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread use. While suitable for most contexts, more formal alternatives may sometimes be preferred. It appears most frequently in News & Media sources, followed by Academia and Formal & Business settings. For clarity and impact, consider specific quantifiers when precision is necessary. Related phrases include "in several", "in various" and "in numerous", which offer similar meanings with subtle differences in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in several

Emphasizes a limited quantity, similar to 'in a few' but without specifying the exact count.

in many

A simpler, more direct way to express a considerable quantity.

in various

Highlights variety and diversity, indicating different types or forms.

in numerous

Stresses a large quantity, more formal and emphatic than 'in a number of'.

in a multitude of

Suggests a very large and almost uncountable quantity.

in diverse

Focuses on the heterogeneity and variety of the items or situations.

across a range of

Implies a spectrum or scale, emphasizing the breadth of options or instances.

in plentiful

Highlights abundance and a generous amount.

in considerable

Emphasizes the significance or importance of the quantity.

in copious

Highlights an extremely large or abundant quantity; often used in formal contexts.

FAQs

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

Use "in a number of" to indicate that something occurs in multiple instances or cases. For example, "In a number of studies, researchers found a correlation between sleep and productivity."

What can I say instead of "in a number of"?

You can use alternatives like "several", "various", or "numerous" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "in a number of" or a more specific quantifier?

It depends on the context. If the exact number is unknown or unimportant, "in a number of" is fine. If precision is needed, use a specific quantifier like "three", "five", or "a dozen".

How formal is the phrase "in a number of"?

The phrase "in a number of" is generally considered neutral in formality. It is suitable for most writing contexts, but more formal alternatives like "numerous" might be preferred in academic or professional settings.