# a number of sth

idiom · CEFR A2

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/a-number-of-sth
Updated: 2026-04-22

## Meaning

This phrase means 'several' or 'some'. You use it to talk about a quantity of things when you don't have or need an exact count.

## Examples

- I have a number of books on my desk.
- The manager received a number of complaints about the new office policy this morning.
- Following the storm, a number of trees had fallen across the road, making it impossible for the emergency vehicles to reach the village.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.