some number of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "some number of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to an unspecified quantity or amount of something. Example: "The project requires some number of volunteers to help with the event."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Last week, we made some number of tens of offers.

The New York Times - Tech

There's not some number of wins or standings or record.

The New York Times - Sports

A new pattern or variant would emerge in some number of cases.

The New York Times - Health

But some number of a workforce of twenty-nine thousand will compromise themselves.

The New Yorker

Some number of them were probably relieved to learn that it is still just a theory.

The New Yorker

"Some number of weeks later, he actually apologized to me for being rude at that meeting.

The New York Times

The country will need some number of nuclear weapons for the foreseeable future.

The New York Times

"Instead of responding in a day," he said, "they could respond within some number of hours".

The New York Times

Unfortunately, there are some number of folks who haven't gotten that message".

The New York Times

Arthur Levine, the president of Teachers College, at Columbia University, predicts that several generations from now "we'll still have some number of residential colleges and some number of research universities, but most of the rest will disappear".

The New Yorker

And each beach-goer, on each beach, has an associated decency surface, with some number of singularities.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "some number of" when you want to indicate that a quantity exists but the exact amount is not known or not important to specify. For instance, "There are "some number of" potential solutions to this problem."

Common error

While acceptable, excessive use of "some number of" can make your writing sound vague. In formal reports or academic papers, consider providing a more precise estimate or range if possible to enhance clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "some number of" functions as a determiner phrase, specifically acting as a quantifier. It indicates an unspecified, indefinite quantity. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English, referring to an unspecified quantity or amount.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "some number of" is a versatile and grammatically sound way to indicate an unspecified quantity. As Ludwig AI points out, it is frequently used across various contexts, including news, science, and business. While "some number of" is generally acceptable, it's important to be mindful of the desired level of precision and formality in your writing. Consider using alternative phrases like "a number of" or providing a more specific estimate when appropriate. Overuse of "some number of" can lead to vagueness, so strive for clarity and variety in your word choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a number of

Very similar in meaning, but slightly more formal.

a certain quantity of

Replaces "some" with "a certain", suggesting a specific but unknown amount.

an unspecified amount of

Emphasizes the lack of specific detail regarding the amount.

a quantity of

More concise, simply denoting an amount without specifying it further.

several

Suggests more than a few, but still not a large quantity.

a few

Indicates a small quantity, implying that the number is not large.

various

Implies a range or variety, not just a quantity.

a portion of

Focuses on a part of a whole, rather than a discrete quantity.

a collection of

Implies a group of items gathered together.

an assortment of

Suggests a collection of different items, not just a single quantity.

FAQs

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

The phrase "some number of" is used to indicate an unspecified quantity. For example, ""Some number of" students failed the exam", meaning an unspecific amount of students failed.

What phrases are similar to "some number of"?

Alternatives include "a number of", "several", "a few", or "an unspecified number of", depending on the context and the level of precision required.

Is it better to use "a number of" or "some number of"?

Both "some number of" and "a number of" are grammatically correct and have similar meanings. "A number of" might be perceived as slightly more formal in certain contexts.

When should I avoid using "some number of"?

Avoid using "some number of" when the exact quantity is known and can be specified. Providing precise figures enhances clarity and credibility in your writing. Also, overuse can make your writing sound vague; consider varying your language.