"a number of" vs "a certain number of"

Question

"a number of" vs "a certain number of"

Both "a certain number of" and "a number of" are correct phrases, but they are used in slightly different contexts. "A certain number of" is used when you want to emphasize a specific or particular quantity, while "a number of" is used more generally to indicate an unspecified quantity.

Last Updated: March 19, 2024

Use "a number of" when you want to refer to an unspecified quantity of something.

Examples:

A number of students attended the lecture.
There are a number of reasons for the delay.
She has a number of friends in the city.

Alternatives:

several
many
a few

Use "a certain number of" when you want to emphasize a specific or particular quantity of something.

Examples:

I need a certain number of volunteers for the event.
There are a certain number of rules that must be followed.
She has a certain number of books on her shelf.

Alternatives:

a specific number of
an exact number of
a particular number of

Answer 1

a number of

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

Answer 2

a certain number of

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"a number of" vs "a certain number of"

a number of

a certain number of

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