number of things

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "number of things" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to a quantity of items or concepts in a general sense. For example, "There are a number of things to consider before making a decision." Alternative expressions include "variety of items" and "count of objects."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

There are a number of things not to blame.

The New York Times - Arts

"A number of things.

The New York Times - Sports

Any number of things.

The New York Times

It suggests a number of things.

The New York Times

A number of things are noteworthy.

Encyclopedia Britannica

You learn a number of things.

The New Yorker

"We found out a number of things.

The New York Times - Arts

It could be any number of things".

The New York Times - Books

You do a number of things Q.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Constantly optimizing across a number of things.

TechCrunch

Since then, a number of things have happened.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair the phrase with adjectives like "fair", "considerable" or "certain" to provide a better sense of scale without needing exact figures.

Common error

Avoid using a singular verb when "number of things" is the subject. While "the number" is singular, "a number of things" acts as a plural quantifier. Incorrect: "A number of things has changed." Correct: "A number of things have changed."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "number of things" functions as a quantifier phrase where "number" acts as a collective noun modified by the prepositional phrase "of things". In linguistic data provided by Ludwig, it often serves as a subject or object that generalizes a group before the speaker specifies the individual components.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

1.5%

Reference

0.5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "number of things" is a highly versatile and grammatically correct expression used to quantify a non-specific group of items or concepts. Analysis from Ludwig confirms its status as a "Very common" phrase, particularly favored by high-tier journalistic and scientific sources for its ability to introduce complexity while maintaining readability. Whether used to outline problems, factors, or observations, it consistently follows plural verb agreement rules in authoritative prose. While it remains a staple of neutral English, writers can enhance their precision by substituting it with more specific alternatives like "various factors" or ""multitude of items"" depending on the desired level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

variety of factors

more precise when discussing causes or analytical elements

host of issues

carries a slightly negative connotation, often used for problems

multitude of items

suggests a significantly larger and more overwhelming volume

array of options

implies a selection or choice is available among the things

several elements

implies a smaller, more countable quantity than number

manifold considerations

highly formal and often used in philosophical or legal contexts

plethora of aspects

emphasizes an abundance or an excess of details

diverse range of topics

focuses on the variety and breadth rather than just quantity

series of events

specifically refers to things happening in a chronological sequence

collection of objects

more literal and physical than the abstract number of things

FAQs

Is it correct to say "a number of things is" or "a number of things are"?

The correct form is "a number of things are" because the phrase acts as a plural quantifier, much like "many things".

What is a more formal way to say "number of things"?

In formal or academic contexts, you can use expressions like "various factors", "multitude of elements", or "diverse array of" items.

How do I use "number of things" in a sentence?

You can use it to introduce a variety of points, for example: "There are a "number of things to consider" before we finalize the budget."

What is the difference between "number of things" and "any number of things"?

While "number of things" suggests a specific (though unstated) group, "any number of things" emphasizes unpredictability or a potentially unlimited range of possibilities.