in a number of different

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in a number of different" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to refer to a variety of things or situations. For example, "The research revealed that the effects of this medication can vary in a number of different ways."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

You can do it in a number of different ways.

The Guardian

The certificate is assessed in a number of different ways.

The Guardian

Elliot, you've played in a number of different bands.

The New York Times

This approach has been taken in a number of different common law jurisdictions.

The Guardian

Depending on our particular script, we can interpret an event in a number of different ways.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The effect would be amplified if charities in a number of different countries share learning.

The Guardian

"The prime minister has defined the 'golden thread' in a number of different ways.

The Guardian

Their Web site, www.onlineoriginals.com, offers 33 titles in a number of different categories, for $7 each.

The New Yorker

"He is an intelligent and versatile midfielder who can operate in a number of different roles.

The Guardian - Sport

Volunteering is a great way to grow and develop experience in a number of different fields.

The Guardian

"That situation changed my life in a number of different ways".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in a number of different", ensure that the context clearly indicates what these different aspects are, either explicitly stated or implicitly understood by the reader.

Common error

Avoid redundancy by rephrasing to exclude "different" if the context already implies variety. For example, instead of "in a number of different ways", consider "in several ways" if the variety is self-evident.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in a number of different" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs or clauses to indicate the manner or means by which an action is performed or a state exists. It is used to emphasize the variety of approaches or methods. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

22%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in a number of different" is a versatile and common expression used to indicate variety or diversity. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and frequently appears in various contexts, including News & Media, Science, and Encyclopedias. While simpler alternatives like "in several" may sometimes suffice to avoid redundancy, "in a number of different" effectively emphasizes the multifaceted nature of a topic. To enhance clarity, always ensure that the different aspects are evident from the context. Top sources include The Guardian, The New York Times, and BBC, highlighting its widespread acceptance in reputable publications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in several different

Replaces "a number" with "several", indicating more than two but not many.

in various distinct

Substitutes "a number" with "various" and "different" with "distinct", emphasizing variety and clear separation.

in multiple diverse

Replaces "a number" with "multiple" and "different" with "diverse", highlighting the numerous and varied nature.

in a variety of different

Adds "variety of" to the phrase, emphasizing the range of options.

across numerous differing

Changes "in" to "across", replacing "a number" with "numerous" and "different" with "differing", which focuses on widespread and varying aspects.

through diverse means

Focuses on the method, implying different ways of achieving something.

by assorted methods

Emphasizes that the methods are varied and of different types.

using a range of

Highlights the spectrum of options available for use.

via a spectrum of

Emphasizes the continuum of possibilities or methods.

employing a multitude of

Highlights a great number and variety of approaches or things used.

FAQs

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

You can use "in a number of different" to indicate that something varies or exists in several forms, such as: "The project can be approached "in a number of different ways" depending on available resources."

What are some alternatives to saying "in a number of different"?

Alternatives include "in several different", "in various distinct", or "using a range of". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "in a number of different ways"?

While not strictly incorrect, using "different" may sometimes be redundant if the "number of" already implies variety. Consider if simpler phrasing like "in several ways" would suffice.

Which is more formal, "in a number of different" or "in several different"?

In a number of different and "in several different" are relatively similar in formality. The choice often depends on the specific context and desired emphasis. The former might slightly emphasize a greater sense of variety.