in a number of cases

USAGE SUMMARY

"in a number of cases" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to a situation in which a particular statement or action applies to several different scenarios. For example, "In a number of cases, employees who feel overworked can improve their job satisfaction by taking on additional responsibilities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This required changing providers in a number of cases.

The New York Times - Tech

"I've considered using it in a number of cases".

The New York Times

"In a number of cases, it's not worth the dollar invested".

The New York Times

He really succeeded in a number of cases in helping people.

The New Yorker

In a number of cases, these nominees also have significant ethical lapses in their records.

The New York Times

China has been accused of recruiting agents in a number of cases.

The New York Times

In a number of cases, donors wrote consecutive checks to the two organizations.

The New York Times

Enron investors have separately sued, and in a number of cases settled, with Enron's banks.

The New York Times

In a number of cases -- Intel and Eastman Kodak, for example -- what they had to say was not pretty.

The New York Times

In a number of cases, concerns expressed by families were not acted upon by staff," the report said.

The Guardian

They cannot place the child in a number of cases because none of the checks are done".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in a number of cases", ensure the context provides specific examples or a clear understanding of what constitutes a 'case'. This helps avoid vagueness and strengthens your argument or explanation.

Common error

Avoid using "in a number of cases" without providing supporting evidence or examples. Overusing the phrase without concrete instances can weaken your credibility and make your writing less persuasive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in a number of cases" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb or clause, indicating the extent to which an action or statement applies. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

41%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in a number of cases" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to indicate that a statement is true or applicable in several instances. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability. It's frequently found in News & Media and Science, indicating its appropriateness for formal and neutral contexts. To use it effectively, remember to provide context or examples to avoid vagueness. Consider alternatives like "in some instances" or "on several occasions" for variety. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your use of "in a number of cases" is both clear and impactful.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in some instances

Replaces "number of cases" with "instances", offering a slightly more formal tone.

in multiple instances

Replaces "number of cases" with "multiple instances" to emphasize repeated occurrences.

in several situations

Substitutes "cases" with "situations", emphasizing the context or scenario.

in many situations

Emphasizes the frequency through "many" instead of "a number".

in numerous instances

Replaces "a number" with "numerous", indicating a large quantity.

on several occasions

Focuses on the occurrence of events rather than specific cases.

in various circumstances

Highlights the varying conditions under which something happens.

in quite a few instances

Uses "quite a few" to quantify the instances, providing a less formal alternative.

in a few situations

Highlights the situations that happen.

in select situations

Highlights the situations that were chosen.

FAQs

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

Use "in a number of cases" to indicate that something is true or happens in several instances, such as, "In a number of cases the study showed a correlation between diet and health."

What are some alternatives to "in a number of cases"?

Alternatives include phrases like "in some instances", "in several situations", or "on several occasions", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use "in a number of cases" or "in many cases"?

Both "in a number of cases" and "in many cases" are acceptable. The choice depends on your preferred style, but "in many cases" might sound slightly more direct and less formal.

When is it inappropriate to use "in a number of cases"?

Avoid using "in a number of cases" when you cannot provide examples or supporting evidence. Overusing the phrase without specifics can weaken your argument.