a number of sth
fixed phr..fixed phr.. 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.
fixed phr.. a quantifier phrase indicating an indefinite quantity, synonymous with 'several' or 'some'.
A number of people are waiting outside.
We received a number of complaints after the system update went live yesterday.
A number of factors, including climate change and habitat loss, have contributed to the species' precipitous decline.
Used with plural countable nouns and takes a plural verb.
Contrast 'a number of' (meaning 'several', takes a plural verb) with 'the number of' (meaning 'the total', takes a singular verb).
A number of student is absent today.A number of students are absent today.The phrase 'a number of' requires a plural noun ('students') and a plural verb ('are').