unreasonable number of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unreasonable number of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a quantity that is excessive or not justifiable in a given context. Example: "The project was delayed due to an unreasonable number of revisions requested by the client."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

They are famously well-connected with an almost unreasonable number of friends, who speak enthusiastically of their generosity and vibrancy.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But to lessen that risk, the College Board, which owns the tests, recently beefed up its compliance department to audit and discipline high schools that seem to be granting an unreasonable number of accommodations.

The New York Times

Greg Cartwright has had a guiding hand in an almost unreasonable number of great garage-rock acts over the last couple of decades, among them the Oblivians, the Compulsive Gamblers, the Parting Gifts and perhaps greatest of all, Reigning Sound – whose early-noughties albums Time Bomb High School and Too Much Guitar both stand up as truly unimpeachable rock'n'roll-soul classics.

The Guardian - Music

Your best bet, I think, is to travel with an unreasonable number of gadgets.

TechCrunch

(And speaking of Pokemon Go: I've put a good 170 miles of walking and an unreasonable number of hours into the game — so it should be a fun interview).

TechCrunch

Taken as a whole, the list features an unreasonable number of memorable hooks.

HuffPost

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

So this is not a unreasonable number.

Cornell University

In case the system suggests an unreasonable large number of new policies potentially including a high rate of false-positives (detected policy suggestions which are discarded after human review), it would add an additional burden rather than create value for an organization.

EURASIP Journal on Information Security

Nineteen predictors were retained by the best model (with the optimal penalty), which may be an unreasonable large number of predictors to use in practice.

BMC Medical Research Methodology

Robert finds himself at the North Pole, where the Number Devil introduces irrational numbers (unreasonable numbers), as well as aspects of Euclidean geometry, such as vertices (dots) and edges (lines).

Wikipedia

The trust, which is the oversight body for the BBC, found that the management's thinking was not unreasonable on a number of fronts.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "unreasonable number of", ensure that the context clearly indicates why the number is considered excessive or unjustified. Providing specific examples or comparisons can strengthen your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "unreasonable number of" when the quantity is merely disliked or disagreed with, rather than objectively excessive. Ensure there's a tangible basis for deeming the number unreasonable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unreasonable number of" functions as a qualifier describing a noun. It indicates that the quantity or amount being referred to is excessive and/or unjustified. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "unreasonable number of" is a phrase used to describe an amount or quantity that is excessive and/or lacks justification. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It's most common in news, scientific, and academic contexts for expressing concern or disapproval, while its use should be avoided in subjective contexts. Consider alternatives such as "excessive quantity of" or "inordinate amount of" for subtle differences in meaning. When using the phrase, make sure that the amount being described is really excessive and there is an objective way to demonstrate that.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Excessive quantity of

Emphasizes the quantity exceeding acceptable limits without necessarily implying irrationality.

Undue amount of

Suggests that the amount is inappropriate or unwarranted given the circumstances.

Inordinate quantity of

Implies a quantity that is unusually large or excessive.

Disproportionate amount of

Highlights the lack of balance or appropriate relation in quantity.

Exorbitant number of

Emphasizes an extreme and often unacceptable level of quantity.

Gratuitous quantity of

Indicates that the quantity is unnecessary and perhaps excessive.

Unjustifiable amount of

Focuses on the lack of a valid reason or excuse for the quantity.

Unwarranted degree of

Highlights the lack of justification or authorization for the level.

Superfluous quantity of

Implies that the amount is unnecessary because it is already sufficient.

Extravagant amount of

Conveys that the amount is beyond what is reasonable or necessary.

FAQs

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

Use "unreasonable number of" to describe a quantity that exceeds what is logical or acceptable. For instance, "The project faced delays due to an "unreasonable number of" revisions requested by the client".

What are some alternatives to "unreasonable number of"?

Alternatives include "excessive quantity of", "undue amount of", or "inordinate quantity of". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "unreasonable amount" or "unreasonable number"?

"Unreasonable number" is used for countable items, while "unreasonable amount" is used for uncountable items. For example, you'd say "unreasonable number of errors" but "unreasonable amount of time".

What makes the phrase "unreasonable number of" effective in writing?

The phrase "unreasonable number of" effectively communicates that a quantity is not only large but also lacks justification or logic, adding a layer of critique or concern to the statement.