some two dozen

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "some two dozen" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to an approximate quantity of twenty-four items or units, often in a more informal or conversational context. Example: "We received some two dozen applications for the position, which exceeded our expectations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

SOME two dozen new condominium developments have just started selling or are scheduled to start sales this fall in New York.

The New York Times

Some two dozen were injured, four critically.

The New Yorker

Some two dozen galleries here have folded.

The New York Times - Arts

Some two dozen presidential families had banked there.

The New York Times

Present were some two dozen of the survivors.

The New York Times - Science

Darwish's work was translated into some two dozen languages.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Some two dozen other states have such arrangements.

The New York Times

Some two dozen in all have joined up.

The Economist

Morocco has some two dozen ports along its lengthy coastline.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Some two dozen factory owners are members of parliament.

The Economist

establishment and expansion of exchange partnerships with some two dozen universities around the world.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "some two dozen" to indicate an approximate quantity of twenty-four when a precise number isn't necessary or known. It's suitable for contexts where a general sense of the amount is sufficient.

Common error

Avoid using "some two dozen" when a precise number is required or available. If accuracy is important, provide the exact figure instead of relying on this approximation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "some two dozen" functions as a quantifier, specifying an approximate quantity. As Ludwig AI explains, it indicates an amount around twenty-four, used when an exact number is not needed or known. The examples show its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

24%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

13%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "some two dozen" is a common and acceptable way to express an approximate quantity of around twenty-four. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English. It is most frequently found in news, encyclopedias, and academic contexts, suggesting a neutral register. While versatile, it's essential to avoid using it when a precise number is needed. Alternatives like "approximately two dozen" or "around two dozen" can be used to achieve similar meanings. By understanding its nuances, you can effectively incorporate "some two dozen" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

approximately two dozen

Adds a formal tone by using "approximately" instead of "some".

around two dozen

Replaces "some" with "around", indicating a similar level of approximation.

about two dozen

Uses "about" to express a quantity that is close to two dozen.

roughly two dozen

Emphasizes the inexact nature of the quantity using "roughly".

in the neighborhood of two dozen

More descriptive way to indicate an approximate quantity.

a couple of dozen

Substitutes "some" with "a couple of", implying a smaller quantity but still around two dozen.

twenty-odd

Uses a more informal and concise way to say slightly more than twenty.

twenty-something

Emphasizes the inexactness of the quantity, implying a number in the twenties.

nearly two dozen

Indicates that the quantity is close to, but not quite, two dozen.

more than twenty

Broadens the scope to indicate a quantity exceeding twenty without specifying the exact number.

FAQs

How can I use "some two dozen" in a sentence?

You can use "some two dozen" to indicate an approximate quantity of twenty-four. For example, "We received "some two dozen" applications for the job."

What can I say instead of "some two dozen"?

You can use alternatives like "approximately two dozen", "around two dozen", or "about two dozen" depending on the context.

Is it more appropriate to say "approximately two dozen" or "some two dozen"?

"Approximately two dozen" is slightly more formal, while ""some two dozen"" is more casual. The choice depends on the context and the desired tone.

Can I use "some two dozen" for items other than physical objects?

Yes, ""some two dozen"" can be used for various countable items, including events, ideas, or even abstract concepts, as long as they can be quantified.