unspecified number

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unspecified number" is correct and usable in written English.
It is commonly used to describe a certain amount or quantity that is not specified or known. Example: "The company received an unspecified number of complaints about their new product." In this sentence, it is not specified how many complaints were received, but it is implied that there were some. The phrase "unspecified number" can also be used to leave room for interpretation or to highlight the fact that the exact number is not important. For example: "The teacher noticed an unspecified number of errors in the students' essays." This sentence suggests that there were some errors, but the focus is more on the fact that there were errors rather than the specific number.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The man has received an unspecified number of blood transfusions.

The New York Times

An unspecified number of the victims were children, he said.

The New York Times

The word polymer designates an unspecified number of monomer units.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Last month Busque, 33, confirmed the company had laid off an unspecified number of staff.

The Guardian - Tech

And Vietnam are conducting search operations within their territory using an unspecified number of aircraft.

The Guardian

She also bought an unspecified number of copies of another public newspaper, the Xinjiang Legal News.

The New York Times

An unspecified number of patients were both underdosed in the prostate and overdosed elsewhere.

The New York Times - Health

The report said the explosion caused an unspecified number of casualties among Hezbollah members and civilians.

The Guardian

Nine soldiers and an unspecified number of villages were missing, said army Major General Ariel Bernardo.

The Guardian

An unspecified number also carry out the work of baggage smasher (453).

The New Yorker

myriad A large, unspecified number, derived from the ancient Greek for ten thousand.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "unspecified number" when the exact quantity is either unknown, irrelevant, or intentionally omitted to avoid speculation or unnecessary detail.

Common error

Avoid using "unspecified number" repeatedly in close proximity. Vary your language with alternatives like "several", "various", or "a few" to enhance readability and avoid sounding repetitive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unspecified number" functions as a determiner phrase that modifies a noun. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It introduces the idea of a quantity without providing a precise value, leaving the exact amount undefined or unknown.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "unspecified number" is a versatile term used to indicate that the exact quantity is unknown, irrelevant, or intentionally omitted. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and widely used. Analysis of various sources reveals that it is most frequently found in news and media, followed by scientific publications and encyclopedias. While alternatives like "several" or "various" exist, "unspecified number" provides a neutral way to convey a lack of precise quantification. It's important to avoid overuse and to be precise when exact figures are available.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Indeterminate quantity

Emphasizes the lack of a set or defined quantity, focusing on the uncertainty.

Unknown amount

Highlights the lack of knowledge regarding the quantity, stressing its obscurity.

Unascertained number

Focuses on the fact that the number has not been determined or established.

A certain number

Implies that a quantity exists but is not being specified for a reason.

Various counts

Suggests that there are multiple instances, but the exact amount for each is not specified.

Some instances

Indicates a limited or moderate quantity, without being specific.

Several items

Implies a quantity greater than a few but less than many, leaving the precise amount undefined.

Numerous cases

Highlights that there are many instances, but not necessarily all known or counted.

A range of figures

Indicates an approximation within a certain scope but not a single number.

An estimated total

Implies an approximate amount, derived from calculation or conjecture.

FAQs

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

Use "unspecified number" to refer to a quantity that is not precisely known or defined. For example, "An "unspecified number" of people attended the event."

What are some alternatives to "unspecified number"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "several", "various", "a few", or "an unknown quantity".

Is it better to say "unspecified number" or "unknown number"?

Both phrases are acceptable, but "unspecified number" is often used when the quantity exists but is not being revealed, whereas "unknown number" suggests that the quantity is genuinely not known at all.

When should I avoid using "unspecified number"?

Avoid using "unspecified number" in contexts where precision is crucial or when you have access to the exact figure. In such cases, providing the specific number is more informative and credible.