limited number

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "limited number" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to refer to a small quantity of something, and is often followed by the word "of." For example, "We have a limited number of tickets for the concert still available."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It has limited resources, an amazingly limited number of people".

Vice

"We have a limited number of resources".

The New York Times - Health

They want a limited number of points.

The Guardian - Opinion

Marbach has a limited number of rooms.

The New York Times - Travel

Limited number of funded traineeships available.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Only a limited number of people knew about it".

The New York Times

We have a limited number of places available for readers.

The Guardian

"...there's a pretty limited number of motives... There's greed.

The New Yorker

"There's a limited number of possibilities," one official said.

The New York Times

There are a limited number of possible sexual acts.

The Guardian - Books

"I work a limited number of vines," he says.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "limited number", be specific about what is limited and, if possible, the reasons for the limitation to provide more context.

Common error

Avoid using "limited number" when the quantity is simply adequate rather than genuinely scarce, as it can mislead the audience and undermine credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "limited number" functions as a pre-modifying adjective phrase, specifying the quantity of a noun. It indicates that the noun it modifies is not abundant and has a defined upper boundary. Ludwig examples show it used before countable nouns like "tickets", "seats", and "possibilities".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Academia

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Reference

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "limited number" is a grammatically sound and very common phrase used to indicate a small quantity of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is suitable for various contexts, including news, academia, and formal business settings. When using "limited number", ensure that the scarcity is genuine and specify the item being limited for clarity. Consider alternatives like "small quantity" or "finite amount" to add variety to your writing. Be mindful of overstating scarcity to maintain credibility. By following these guidelines, you can effectively and accurately use "limited number" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

small quantity

Emphasizes the smallness of the amount, focusing on quantity rather than restriction.

finite amount

Highlights that the amount is not infinite, suggesting a defined limit.

restricted quantity

Directly conveys the idea that the amount available has been limited or curtailed.

scarce resource

Focuses on the lack of abundance and the potential difficulty in obtaining the resource.

few instances

Highlights the infrequency of occurrence rather than the overall quantity.

narrow selection

Implies a restriction in the variety of options available.

reduced availability

Focuses on the degree to which something is readily accessible or obtainable.

controlled distribution

Highlights a deliberate process to limit or manage the supply.

rationed supply

Suggests a formal or regulated restriction of quantity, often in response to scarcity.

exclusive allocation

Emphasizes that something is reserved for a specific group or purpose, restricting general access.

FAQs

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

The phrase "limited number" typically precedes a noun, specifying that there is only a small quantity of something available. For example, "We have a "limited number" of tickets available" or "There are a "limited number" of seats left".

What can I say instead of "limited number"?

You can use alternatives like "small quantity", "finite amount", or "restricted quantity" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "a limited amount" instead of "a limited number"?

While "limited amount" is also correct, ""limited number"" is generally used for countable items (e.g., tickets, seats), while "limited amount" is used for non-countable items (e.g., time, resources).

What is the difference between "limited number" and "few"?

"Limited number" suggests a specific, often known, restriction in quantity, whereas "few" simply indicates a small quantity without necessarily implying a specific limit.