make up a number of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "make up a number of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to creating or inventing a certain quantity or amount of something. Example: "The committee decided to make up a number of new rules to improve the event's organization."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Several phrases make up a number of verses to complete a musical rendition.

Encyclopedia Britannica

They've also added support for video and podcast streams, which make up a number of the new channels.

TechCrunch

These devices make up a number of applications for 3D images or videos, such as 3D rendering [13], 3D visual quality assessment [14], and 3D video detection [15].

EURASIP Journal on Image and Video Processing

Make up a number of chapters or pages to read per day.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

"The truth of the matter is you made up a number of things you never told anyone, isn't that true?" Mr. Harrison asked.

The New York Times

Over the years I've made up a number of different answers to the inevitable question.

Huffington Post

These teams are made up a number of skilled professionals, including nurses, social workers, spiritual care counselors, physicians and bereavement counselors.

Huffington Post

Indigenous women make up a disproportionate number of victims of violent sexual assaults and murders.

Vice

Each of the two workshop sessions was made up of a number of sections, with each section consisting of the delivery of a number of BCTs.

BMJ Open

A moving boundary finite element approach is adopted to simulate dissolution of layered compacts made up of a number of layers of different acids which dissolve at different rates.

Simulation Modelling Practice and Theory

Women make up a substantial number of qualified theologians in the church.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "make up a number of", ensure the context clearly indicates whether you are referring to composition (forming a whole) or creation (inventing something).

Common error

Be mindful of potential confusion with phrases like "add up to a number", which implies summation rather than composition or invention. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects your intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make up a number of" functions as a quantifier, indicating that something constitutes a certain quantity or amount. Ludwig AI confirms this, providing examples where it denotes composition or creation. It's often used to express that several elements combine to form a group or that something consists of multiple parts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

20%

Science

18%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

14%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "make up a number of" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that indicates composition or invention of a certain quantity. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While not exceedingly common, it appears in various contexts, including news, science, and general reference materials. Alternative phrases include "comprise a certain number of" and "constitute a quantity of". When using the phrase, be sure to maintain clarity and avoid ambiguity with similar expressions. Common authoritative sources include The New York Times, The Guardian and Encyclopedia Britannica.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

comprise a certain number of

Replaces "make up" with "comprise", emphasizing the composition of something.

constitute a quantity of

Emphasizes the act of forming or composing a particular amount.

represent a portion of

Focuses on the representation of a share or segment of something.

account for some of

Highlights the act of being responsible for or explaining a part of something.

form a percentage of

Specifically refers to creating a proportional fraction of a whole.

invent several

Focuses on creating or devising multiple items or ideas.

fabricate a few

Emphasizes the act of constructing or creating a limited number of items.

devise a set of

Stresses the planning and creation of a collection or group.

put together some

Implies assembling or gathering a collection of things.

generate a series of

Focuses on producing a sequence or succession of items.

FAQs

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

You can use "make up a number of" when you want to express that something constitutes a part of a whole, or when you want to say that someone is creating or inventing something. For example: "Indigenous women "make up" a disproportionate "number of" victims of violent sexual assaults and murders."

What can I say instead of "make up a number of"?

You can use alternatives like "comprise a certain number of", "constitute a quantity of", or "represent a portion of" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "made up of a number of"?

Yes, "made up of a number of" is a correct and commonly used variation of the phrase. It typically implies that something is composed of several components. For instance, "The team was "made up of" a "number of" skilled professionals."

What's the difference between "make up a number of" and "add up to a number"?

"Make up a number of" implies composition or invention, while "add up to a number" indicates summation or totaling. For example, "The ingredients add up to a number of 100 calories," versus "These factors "make up a number of" considerations."