number of slots

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "number of slots" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the quantity of available positions, openings, or spaces in a particular context, such as scheduling or resource allocation. Example: "The conference has a limited number of slots available for participants, so be sure to register early."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"There's just a finite number of slots, and we have no wiggle room left".

The New York Times

The administration's allocation for 2003 would grant the greatest number of slots to Africans.

The New York Times

Now, constantly growing numbers of applicants compete for the same number of slots.

The New York Times

Four is the number of slots in the college football playoff as it stands now.

The Guardian - Sport

Ross joined LBC in 2003, presenting a number of slots including weekend breakfast and drivetime.

The Guardian

There are a certain number of slots out there and opportunities out there.

The New York Times - Sports

The charities apply for entry, then negotiate with the Road Runners for the number of slots.

The New York Times

The exchange plans to double the number of slots to meet demand.

The Economist

They come up with a proposed remedy with specific number of slots for New York and Boston.

The New York Times

The number of slots alone reduced by a quarter, from nearly 36,000 to around 27,000.

The Guardian

He said the reduction in the number of slots made New Beginnings less effective as a deterrent for bad behavior.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing resource constraints or limitations, use "number of slots" to clearly indicate the finite availability. Be precise in quantifying the "number of slots" to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Don't assume "number of slots" directly translates to ease of access. High demand can still make securing a slot difficult, even if the "number of slots" seems adequate. Always consider the competition and application process.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "number of slots" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. As demonstrated by Ludwig, it quantifies the quantity of available positions, spaces, or opportunities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "number of slots" is a versatile noun phrase commonly used to quantify available positions, spaces, or opportunities across various contexts. As Ludwig highlights, its grammatical function is primarily as a noun phrase, serving to inform or describe quantities. With a neutral to professional register, it's frequently found in news, scientific literature, and formal business communications. The phrase enjoys widespread usage, indicating a strong understanding of quantity over resource allocation, as shown in numerous examples across diverse sources. Ludwig’s analysis confirms its grammatical correctness, making it a reliable choice for expressing numerical availability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

quantity of positions

Replaces 'number' with 'quantity' and 'slots' with 'positions', focusing on the amount of available spaces.

available openings

Emphasizes the 'available' aspect and uses 'openings' instead of 'slots'.

allocation of spaces

Focuses on the act of 'allocating' rather than simply counting 'slots'.

designated spots

Uses a more informal term 'spots' to refer to available places.

extent of vacancies

Emphasizes the degree or 'extent' of unfilled 'vacancies'.

volume of opportunities

Replaces the term with "volume" and changes "slots" with "opportunities" to express a related idea.

capacity for admissions

Specifically refers to the 'capacity' in terms of 'admissions', often used in academic contexts.

sum of allocations

Focuses on the 'sum' or total of 'allocations' made.

scale of placements

Highlights the 'scale' or extent of available 'placements'.

prevalence of chances

Emphasizes how widespread or 'prevalent' the 'chances' are for something.

FAQs

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

You can use "number of slots" to indicate a limited quantity of opportunities or positions. For example: "The program has a limited number of slots available".

What can I say instead of "number of slots"?

You can use alternatives like "quantity of positions", "available openings", or "allocation of spaces" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "number of slots available" or "availability of slots"?

Both phrases are correct, but "number of slots available" is more direct when you want to emphasize the quantity. "Availability of slots" ("availability of slots") focuses on whether there are slots open.

What factors influence the "number of slots" in a system?

The "number of slots" can be affected by resource constraints, budget limitations, demand, and regulatory requirements.