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Ludwig provides contextual example sentences from reliable sources like The New York Times, BBC, and academic publications, helping you understand how words and phrases are used in real-world contexts. This improves both writing fluency and comprehension skills.

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Ludwig focuses on providing real example sentences from authoritative sources, not just grammar checking. This contextual approach helps users understand not just what's correct, but how language is actually used by native speakers and professional writers.

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Used and loved by millions

Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

A select number of
Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

"a select number of" is correct and usable in written English
You can typically use it when referring to a group of people or things that have been chosen as being especially good or desirable. For example, "The school only accepts a select number of applicants each year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Table of contents

Usage summary

Human-verified examples

Expert writing tips

Linguistic context

Ludwig's wrap-up

Alternative expressions

FAQs

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Only data for a select number of states are available.

Academia

Cornell University

"This is the start of a select number of really high-quality partnerships".

News & Media

The New York Times

Superfish was preloaded onto a select number of consumer models only.

News & Media

The Guardian - Tech

Classical dance in India has a select number of master teachers.

News & Media

The New York Times - Arts

Amtrak will continue working with a select number of agencies that remain on its roster.

News & Media

The New York Times

At the moment this is a trial of the system on a select number of articles.

News & Media

The Guardian

Black Astrum produces diamond-encrusted business cards for a select number of exceedingly wealthy clients.

News & Media

The Guardian

And each year a select number of students publish their findings in the TRI Bulletin.

Academia

Yale University

A select number of applicants will be invited to interview for the program via Skype.

Academia

Princeton University

A select number of game ticket packages are available - with tailgate ticket purchase!

Academia

University of California, Berkeley

A select number of electronic resources are also available to Alumni.

Academia

Princeton University

Expert writing Tips

✓ Best practice

When using "a select number of", ensure that the selection criteria are clear or implied within the context. This helps the audience understand why those items or individuals were specifically chosen.

⚠ Common error

Avoid using "a select number of" when referring to a large group. This phrase implies exclusivity and careful selection, so it's misleading if the group is, in reality, quite extensive.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a select number of" functions as a determiner phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a limited and specially chosen quantity. Ludwig AI indicates that it is considered correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

✓ Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

40%

Science

10%

⚠ Less common in

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a select number of" is a versatile phrase used to describe a limited and carefully chosen quantity, commonly found in news, academic, and professional contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. When employing this phrase, ensure that the context implies or states the criteria for selection. Alternatives like "a few" or "a small group of" can be used depending on the nuance you wish to convey. Avoid overstating the selectivity by using it for large, unexclusive groups. The high frequency and wide range of sources demonstrate its established place in English writing.

Alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a select group of

Similar to the original phrase but emphasizes the exclusiveness of the group.

a restricted selection of

Focuses on the limitation and the act of choosing from what is available.

a limited quantity of

Emphasizes the restriction on the amount or number available.

a chosen few

Implies a deliberate selection of a small, exclusive group.

a small group of

Highlights the reduced size of the group being referred to.

only a few

Directly emphasizes the scarcity or limited nature of the quantity.

More alternative expressions(6)

a selected number of

a selective number of

a chosen number of

a select set of

a select group of

a select range of

FAQs

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

Use "a select number of" to indicate that only a carefully chosen few are being considered or included. For example, "A select number of applicants will be invited for an interview".

What's the difference between "a select number of" and "a limited number of"?

"A select number of" emphasizes the special or chosen nature of the group, while "a limited number of" simply indicates that the quantity is restricted.

What are some alternatives to "a select number of"?

You can use alternatives such as "a few", "a small group of", or "a restricted selection of" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to specify the criteria when using "a select number of"?

While not always explicitly stated, implying or suggesting the criteria adds clarity and strengthens the meaning. It helps the audience understand why those particular items or individuals were chosen. Omitting the criteria may lead to confusion about the basis of selection.

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Table of contents

Usage summary

Human-verified examples

Expert writing tips

Linguistic context

Ludwig's wrap-up

Alternative expressions

FAQs

Source & Trust

88%

Authority and reliability

4.6/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences:

1-200 1k 2k 3k 4k 5k 7k 10k 20k 40k 100k 200k 500k 0m-3 0m-4 1m-1 1m-2 1m-3 1m-4

A select number ofGrammar usage guide and real-world examples

A select number of
Grammar usage guide and real-world examples