such a number

USAGE SUMMARY

'Such a number' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
The phrase is used to describe a large or unspecified quantity of something. For example, you could say: "The store had such a number of different types of candy, I didn't know where to begin!".

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Why are they so excited On such a winter's night?

The Guardian - Books

There is no playbook on how to come back from such a fall.

The New York Times

But what makes this bacchanal of bleakness such a Christmas cracker?

Independent

As such, a 1080 Ti pays back in a just shy of two years these days.

Forbes

One fan tweeted that the news from Brooker was "such a 2017 thing to happen".

BBC

Also, Hermione punching Draco in the face is such a 2018 mood.

Vice

New York had just such a memorable spring 20 years ago, in 1984.

The New York Times

Can you imagine such a scenario a decade ago?

The New York Times

The Port Authority first proposed such a move a year ago.

The New York Times

Until today, no state had passed such a measure since 1986.

The New York Times

Not such a merry Christmas.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "such a number", ensure the context makes it clear what you're referring to. Add descriptive details to create a clearer picture of the quantity involved. For example, "The museum displayed such a number of artifacts that visitors needed several days to see everything".

Common error

Avoid using "such a number" without providing any frame of reference. It can make your writing seem vague and uninformative. Always provide some context or comparison to give the reader a sense of scale.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "such a number" functions as a determiner phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a quantity. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, highlighting its role in describing amounts.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

Science

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "such a number" is a grammatically correct phrase used to indicate a notable quantity of something. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability. However, it's relatively infrequent in contemporary usage. When using this phrase, clarity is key; ensure the context provides sufficient information about the quantity you're describing. While not overly formal, it's best suited for neutral or slightly formal contexts. Alternatives like "a large quantity" or "a significant amount" might offer greater precision and impact in many situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a large quantity

Focuses on the size of the amount, using simpler language.

a considerable quantity

Emphasizes a notable amount but uses more formal vocabulary.

a significant amount

Highlights the importance of the quantity, rather than just the size.

a great deal

Indicates a substantial quantity, often used informally.

a good many

Suggests a fairly large quantity, but is less formal.

numerous instances

Refers to multiple occurrences or examples.

plenty of

Indicates that there is more than enough of something.

an abundance of

Stresses that there is a lot of something, often more than needed.

a multitude

Suggests a very large and indefinite number.

countless instances

Emphasizes the inability to count the number due to its vastness.

FAQs

How can I use "such a number" in a sentence?

Use "such a number" to describe a large or unspecified quantity of something. For example, "The library contained "a large number" of books on various subjects".

What's a good alternative to "such a number"?

You can use alternatives like "a large quantity", "a considerable amount", or "numerous instances" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use "such a number" or "a large number"?

"A large number" is generally more direct and commonly used. "Such a number" can be used for emphasis, but make sure the context is clear.

What does "such a number" imply about the quantity?

"Such a number" implies that the quantity is significant or surprisingly large. It's often used when the exact number isn't known or isn't important, but the size is noteworthy.