limited in number

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "limited in number" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where there is a small quantity of something available or present. Example: "The tickets for the concert are limited in number, so be sure to purchase yours early."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

These roles will always however be very limited in number.

The Guardian

Japanese naval forces were limited in number and mission, despite China's rising military power.

The New York Times

As the best viewing spots are limited in number, booking early is advised.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

That's why peer reviewed papers in journals are limited in number".

The Guardian

Our clients were limited in number: traditional asset managers, pension funds, insurers or private banks.

The Guardian - Opinion

They'd carved out days and never realized that they were limited in number.

The New Yorker

Those lines are too limited in number, variety and quality to allow the full range of needed research.

The New York Times

Visitors to the smaller room would have to be limited in number, perhaps twenty at a time.

The New Yorker

Mrs. Pulitzer said the audience would be broader than at first envisioned, although still limited in number.

The New York Times - Arts

But finding her way in Hollywood wasn't easy when roles for blacks were limited in number and range.

The New York Times - Arts

Ms. Tashlin's opening thrust: the Dali prints were limited in number.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "limited in number", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being limited. For example, "Tickets are limited in number" is clearer than just stating something is "limited in number".

Common error

While "limited in number" is acceptable, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms such as "scarce", "few", or "restricted" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "limited in number" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun, indicating that the quantity of the noun is restricted or not abundant. Ludwig AI confirms its correct grammatical usage and provides numerous examples across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "limited in number" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to indicate that the quantity of something is restricted. As Ludwig AI highlights, it appears most commonly in News & Media and Scientific contexts. While perfectly acceptable, writers should be mindful of potential overuse and consider synonyms like "scarce in quantity" or "restricted in supply" for variety. Always ensure clarity by specifying what exactly is "limited in number" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in short supply

Emphasizes the difficulty in obtaining or accessing something.

scarce in quantity

Replaces 'number' with 'quantity' emphasizing amount rather than count.

available in small quantities

Highlights that something can be found, but not in large amounts.

restricted in supply

Focuses on the availability, implying an imposed limit.

few in existence

Highlights the rarity of something, emphasizing its limited presence.

not many

A more concise and informal way to express a small quantity.

finite in scope

Emphasizes the defined boundaries of what is being limited.

a handful of

Implies a very small and easily countable amount.

rarely found

Highlights the infrequency with which something is encountered.

small in scale

Indicates a diminutive size or extent.

FAQs

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

You can use "limited in number" to describe a situation where there are only a few of something available. For example, "The seats were "limited in number", so we arrived early to secure our spots."

What are some alternatives to saying "limited in number"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "scarce in quantity", "restricted in supply", or "few in existence".

Is it better to say "limited in number" or "small in number"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "limited in number" often implies a restriction or constraint, while "small in number" simply indicates a low quantity. The best choice depends on the specific context.

What does "limited in number" mean?

"Limited in number" means that there is only a small quantity of something available, suggesting that the supply is restricted or constrained in some way.