sufficient number

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sufficient number" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to an adequate quantity or amount of something needed for a particular purpose or requirement. Example: "In order to conduct the experiment successfully, we need a sufficient number of participants to ensure valid results."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And in sufficient number?

The New York Times

Before long, I had amassed a sufficient number of circles.

The New Yorker

Will they follow Kele onto the dancefloor in sufficient number?

The Guardian - Music

Convergence is ensured by taking a sufficient number of approximations.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

The average of a sufficient number of guesses will get the number of jellybeans right.

The Guardian - Books

Anything that a sufficient number of people in green eyeshades declare, I'll endorse.

The New Yorker

When she answered a sufficient number of problems correctly, she advanced to the next section.

The New Yorker

(what 19th-century Italian opera doesn't?) Both leave behind a sufficient number of dead bodies.

The New York Times - Arts

In a general way, there were a sufficient number of personal links between Beckett and Ernst.

The Guardian

A sufficient number of endemic and forest-dependent species were observed to conduct individual-based rarefaction.

Nature

This time they – or, rather, a sufficient number of them – had changed their minds.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "sufficient number", ensure the context clearly defines what constitutes 'sufficient' to avoid ambiguity. For instance, specify the criteria or goal that the number needs to meet.

Common error

Avoid using "sufficient number" without providing context or criteria. For example, stating 'we need a sufficient number of volunteers' is less effective than 'we need a sufficient number of volunteers, specifically 20, to cover all shifts'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sufficient number" functions as a determiner phrase, modifying a noun (often plural) to indicate that there is an adequate or acceptable quantity. Ludwig provides examples across diverse topics, from scientific experiments to political representation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

32%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "sufficient number" is a grammatically sound and versatile expression used to indicate an adequate quantity or amount. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is commonly employed across various domains, particularly in news, science, and academic writing. To ensure clarity, it's crucial to provide context defining what "sufficient" entails. While alternatives like "adequate amount" or "enough quantity" exist, "sufficient number" maintains a neutral tone suitable for formal and informal communication. By providing clear context and understanding its proper usage, writers can effectively convey the required quantity for a particular purpose.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

adequate amount

Emphasizes the quantity being enough for a specific purpose or need.

enough quantity

A more direct and simpler way of expressing that there is the required amount.

ample supply

Implies a generous or abundant amount, more than strictly necessary.

requisite number

Highlights the necessity or requirement of a specific quantity.

required quantity

Focuses on the mandatory aspect of having a certain amount.

necessary amount

Stresses the essential nature of having enough for a particular purpose.

satisfactory quantity

Indicates that the amount is acceptable or meets expectations.

appropriate quantity

Suggests that the amount is suitable or fitting for the context.

plenty of

A more informal way of saying there is more than enough.

a good deal of

Indicates a large quantity, often used for uncountable nouns.

FAQs

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

You can use "sufficient number" to indicate an adequate amount of something needed for a particular purpose. For example, "To ensure accurate results, a "sufficient number" of samples must be analyzed".

What are some alternatives to "sufficient number"?

Alternatives include "adequate amount", "enough quantity", or "ample supply" depending on the context. The choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to use "sufficient number" or "adequate number"?

Both "sufficient number" and "adequate number" are acceptable and often interchangeable. "Sufficient" emphasizes meeting a requirement, while "adequate" suggests a satisfactory level. Choose the word that best fits the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "sufficient number" in formal writing?

The phrase "sufficient number" is appropriate for formal writing when you need to convey that there is an adequate quantity to meet a specific need or requirement. Ensure that the meaning of "sufficient" is clear and contextually defined.