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I am confused with the role of the noun number in the phrase ‘a number of ’.

Is the noun number a quantifier here or a collective noun? Some people argue that the number is a quantifier in "A number" vs "the number". However, some people argue that the number is a collective noun in https://www.dictionary.com/browse/collective-noun.

Justin
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Joshua
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  • It's best to regard a number of as a compound (formed of/from more than one word) quantifier, like ink well (= inkwell) is always regarded as a compound noun. This article from the University of Bristol is one of many endorsing this analysis. // While it's obvious what parts of speech 'a', 'number', and 'of' typically are, it's not worthwhile to break down the fixed expression 'a number of'. – Edwin Ashworth Jun 20 '22 at 10:11
  • Thanks for your help very much. – Joshua Jun 20 '22 at 10:26
  • Within the idiom a number, number is a number transparent quantificational noun. Notice both that of is not part of this idiom and that a number is a two word noun phrase not a single word. You can stick any appropriate adjectives or other modifiers inside it. “Only a disappointingly small number are actually registered”, for example. – Araucaria - Him Jun 20 '22 at 13:14
  • Thans for your help, Araucaria. – Joshua Jun 20 '22 at 13:49

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