An unspecified amount
A number is an indefinite quantity, more than one but deliberately unspecified: A number of people complained.
The phrase functions as a vague quantifier, useful when the exact count is unknown or unimportant.
It typically takes a plural verb: A number of factors were involved.
Compare with the number, which emphasizes the count itself and takes a singular verb.
IDEA.org / Words / a number
An unspecified amount
A number is an indefinite quantity, more than one but deliberately unspecified: A number of people complained.
The phrase functions as a vague quantifier, useful when the exact count is unknown or unimportant.
It typically takes a plural verb: A number of factors were involved.
Compare with the number, which emphasizes the count itself and takes a singular verb.
Related — cardinality (Size of a set); counter (Flat service surface); integer (Number lacking fractions); tally · fraction · digit · ratio · decimal · statistics · phone · math · sum · amount
quantity/countabilitya number ≠ none Not a single one; zero · one · nothing · not any · nil
numerical vs. non-numericala number ≠ text Written or printed words
number, numbers, numeral, numerical, enumerate, innumerable, enumeration, numeric, numerology
Word data: Linguabase (CC0) · www.idea.org/words/a_number