required number of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "required number of" is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used to describe the minimum amount of something that is needed. For example, "An applicant must submit a required number of letters of recommendation."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Some companies have called for compulsory female quotas to maintain a minimum required number of women on their boards.

The Guardian

This method can consider any required number of layers through the sandwich plate thickness.

Composite Structures

The sample size required (number of cadavers and recording sessions) was extrapolated from the results of animal studies.

Nature

n i   required number of orders with s i length.

Journal of Industrial Engineering International

In it hero Yossarian takes drastic measures to avoid flying an ever-increasingly required number of dangerous missions.

BBC

Unfortunately, as it stands now, until I gain the required number of followers, no publisher will endeavor to find out.

Huffington Post

Finally, at every grade level, La Canada's schools exceed the required number of minutes mandated by the state of California.

Los Angeles Times

The required number of signatures is 2,500.

The New York Times

Required number of random bases for digital counting.

Nature

The required number of field courses is five.

Stanford University

The approximation reduces the required number of simulation trials.

Structural Safety

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "required number of", clearly define what necessitates that specific quantity. Provide context to justify the requirement. For example, "The required number of participants for the study is 30 to ensure statistical significance."

Common error

Avoid using "required number of" without specifying why that number is required. State the reason or condition that necessitates the quantity to prevent ambiguity. Do not say something like: "You must have the required number of items". Instead say: "You must have the "required number of" items in order to proceed with the task."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "required number of" functions as a determiner that modifies a noun, specifying a particular quantity that is necessary or obligatory. It is used to indicate that a certain count or amount is needed for a specific purpose or condition, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

30%

Academia

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "required number of" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression that indicates a specific, necessary quantity. According to Ludwig, it appears frequently in scientific, news, and academic contexts. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying why that number is required to avoid vagueness. Consider alternatives like "minimum number of" or "necessary amount of" depending on the context. By following these guidelines, you can effectively and accurately use the phrase "required number of" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

minimum number of

Specifies the lowest acceptable quantity, similar to the "required number of" but emphasizes the lower limit.

necessary amount of

Indicates the quantity that is essential or indispensable, akin to the "required number of".

requisite quantity of

Emphasizes the officially needed or demanded amount, similar in formality to "required number of".

essential quantity of

Highlights the necessity and importance of having a certain quantity.

specified quantity of

Refers to a quantity that has been explicitly stated or determined.

designated amount of

Suggests a quantity that has been specifically chosen or assigned.

prescribed amount of

Indicates a quantity that is officially recommended or ordered.

mandated quantity of

Highlights a quantity that is legally required or enforced.

obligatory quantity of

Refers to a quantity that is compulsory or unavoidable.

exact quantity needed of

Underlines the precise and definite need for a particular amount.

FAQs

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

Use "required number of" to specify the minimum or necessary quantity needed for a particular purpose. For example, "The application will be rejected if the "required number of" documents is not submitted."

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

You can use alternatives like "minimum amount of", "necessary quantity of", or "requisite quantity of depending on the context.

Which is correct, "required number of" or "necessary amount of"?

Both "required number of" and "necessary amount of" are correct, but they might be suitable in different contexts. "Required number of" typically refers to a countable quantity, while "necessary amount of" can refer to both countable and uncountable quantities.

What's the difference between "required number of" and "minimum number of"?

"Required number of" indicates a specific quantity that is needed, while "minimum number of" indicates the lowest acceptable quantity. The "minimum number of" might be acceptable, but the required number is what's ideal or expected.