significant number

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "significant number" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a large amount of something. For example, "A significant number of people attended the event."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It's a significant number.

The New York Times - Sports

But a significant number do.

The New York Times

But it is a significant number.

The Economist

A significant number are pregnant women.

The Guardian

A significant number of people react negatively.

The Guardian - Opinion

"It's a significant number," Abdullah told me.

The New Yorker

A significant number are recognized masterpieces.

The New York Times - Arts

And a significant number are buying.

The New York Times

"It's a significant number," Mussina said.

The New York Times - Sports

"And a significant number wanted to pay.

The Guardian

A significant number were affected by the IT problem.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "significant number" when you want to emphasize that the amount or quantity is large enough to be important or noteworthy. It's a more formal and impactful way of saying 'many' or 'a lot'.

Common error

Avoid using "significant number" when the actual quantity is small or inconsequential. This can make your writing sound exaggerated or misleading. If the amount isn't truly noteworthy, opt for a more accurate descriptor like 'a few' or 'a small number'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "significant number" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject or object in a sentence. It quantifies something in a manner that suggests importance or noteworthiness. Ludwig AI confirms its proper use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Formal & Business

12%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "significant number" is a versatile and frequently used term to denote a quantity that is not only large but also important or noteworthy. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely accepted in various contexts. It's most prevalent in news and media, as well as in formal and business settings. To ensure effective usage, remember to reserve it for amounts that truly carry weight, and consider alternatives like "substantial amount" or "considerable quantity" when appropriate. Avoiding overuse is crucial to maintain the phrase's impact and credibility. The phrase is suitable for neutral to formal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

substantial amount

Emphasizes the size or quantity, suggesting a considerable portion or degree.

considerable quantity

Highlights the measurable aspect and the largeness of the quantity.

large proportion

Focuses on the relative size within a whole, indicating a notable segment.

sizable fraction

Implies a noteworthy part of a whole, often used in statistical or numerical contexts.

notable quantity

Emphasizes the fact that the quantity is worth paying attention to.

appreciable number

Indicates a quantity that is easily perceived or recognized.

marked degree

Signifies a noticeable extent or intensity, often used with qualities or characteristics.

high volume

Refers to the amount of something, especially when it is produced or sold.

vast quantity

Denotes an extremely large amount, emphasizing immensity.

major segment

Highlights the significance of a particular portion within a larger group or entity.

FAQs

How do I use "significant number" in a sentence?

Use "significant number" to indicate a quantity that is large enough to be important or have an impact. For example, "A "significant number" of students are applying to universities this year".

What can I say instead of "significant number"?

You can use alternatives like "substantial amount", "considerable quantity", or "large proportion" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "a most significant number"?

While grammatically correct, "a most significant number" can sound overly emphatic. Using "very significant number" or simply relying on ""significant number"" often provides sufficient emphasis.

What's the difference between "significant number" and "large number"?

"Large number" simply indicates a quantity that is not small. "Significant number", on the other hand, implies that the quantity is not only large but also important or meaningful in some way.