removed a number of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "removed a number of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing the act of taking away several items or elements from a larger group or collection. Example: "The committee removed a number of outdated policies to streamline the organization's operations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

The doctors also removed a number of additional lymph nodes.

The New York Times

Brown rejected a version that removed a number of crimes from the Trust Act's list.

The New Yorker

On the way out, he removed a number of toothpicks and put them in his pocket.

The New Yorker

Mr. Hadi has removed a number of military commanders loyal to the former president.

The New York Times

I always find the total deletion of a post troubling: transparency surely demands that readers can see if the moderators have removed a number of posts.

The Guardian

When he appeared in St . Louison Friday, just hours before his planned appearance in Chicago, police removed a number of people who tried to interrupt him.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

He said the authorities were removing a number of bodies from around the pool area.

The Guardian

And it nominally provides for greater secrecy, since it removes a number of potential leak sources.

The New York Times

Also, the network withdrew the mini-series too late to remove a number of ads from magazines, including People.

The New York Times

Furthermore, consolidating many deliveries on a single truck removes a number of cars from the road, providing an additional green benefit.

The New York Times - Tech

"At this event they will get the chance to familiarise themselves with the Olympic Stadium and we can remove a number of unknown factors for them.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "removed a number of" when you want to indicate that several items or elements have been taken away from a larger group. This phrasing is appropriate for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "removed a number of" when referring to a singular item. Ensure that the noun following "of" is plural to maintain grammatical accuracy. For instance, instead of saying "removed a number of problem", say "removed a number of problems".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "removed a number of" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of taking away or eliminating multiple items or elements. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound and versatile, appearing in varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Science

16%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "removed a number of" is a grammatically correct and commonly used verb phrase that indicates the action of taking away or eliminating multiple items. As Ludwig AI states, this phrase is suitable for a variety of contexts, particularly in news and media, science, and general writing. While versatile, it's essential to ensure number agreement and consider alternatives like "eliminated several" or "discarded a few" to suit specific nuances. Avoid misusing it in singular contexts to maintain clarity and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

eliminated several

Focuses on complete removal and disposal, suggesting a more thorough clearing than "removed a number of".

took away some

More casual and general term for removing or subtracting items.

discarded a few

Implies getting rid of unwanted items, suggesting less importance than "removed a number of".

withdrew some

Suggests taking something back or retracting it, rather than outright removal.

subtracted a few

Emphasizes the reduction in quantity by taking elements away.

extracted several

Focuses on carefully taking something out, often with effort or precision, differing from general removal.

cleared away many

Emphasizes the act of making something tidy or free from obstructions.

excised a portion of

Implies surgically or precisely cutting something out, often in a medical context.

deducted a quantity of

Refers to subtracting or taking away an amount, especially in calculations or accounting.

repealed several

Specifically used for revoking or annulling laws or regulations.

FAQs

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

You can use "removed a number of" to indicate that multiple items have been taken away. For example, "The editor removed a number of unnecessary paragraphs from the article."

What are some alternatives to "removed a number of"?

Alternatives include phrases like "eliminated several", "discarded a few", or "took away some", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "removed a number of item"?

No, it is not correct. The phrase "removed a number of" should be followed by a plural noun. The correct phrase is "removed a number of items".

What is the difference between "removed a number of" and "removed some"?

"Removed a number of" is slightly more formal and emphasizes that a specific quantity (more than just a few) has been taken away, while "removed some" is more general.