5

USAGE SUMMARY

The word '5' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use the word '5' to represent the number when you are writing out a numeral in a sentence. For example: "I have 5 apples in my shopping basket."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Business

Lifestyle

Sport

Tech

Opinion

Travel

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

"We the undersigned are sick and tired of ITV and Channel 5 giving her airtime and want her banned from all tv shows on your channels such as This Morning and The Wright Stuff.

The Guardian

The community supported farm 2. The bike repair co-operative 3. The community garden centre 4. The community forest 5.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Departs 5 July, 29 July and 12 Aug 2010 Although less accessible than the south, northern Peru is deeply intriguing – pre-Inca archaeological sites are abundant and still being discovered.

The Guardian - Travel

5) Antonio Cassano's swerving 30-yard strike against Fiorentina was as glorious as it was futile.

The Guardian - Sport

Family: Wife Samantha, businesswoman, and children Florence (5), Elwen (9), Nancy (11), Ivan (died in 2009, aged 6).

The Guardian

Between 5% and 9% used the "incredibly ancient" Wired Equivalent Privacy WEPprotocolcol, which was supposed to protect people's data moving around routers, but has known vulnerabilities and should not be used anywhere, Lyne said.

The Guardian - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

… The Baltimore Orioles beat the Yankees, 4-3.

The New York Times

He announced pay cuts of about 5 percent for civil servants — and 15 percent for government ministers — as well as other measures totaling 15 billion euros.

The New York Times

It has been created by Thorntons to mark the company's 100th birthday and, after months of top-secret cooking, the 5,792.5kg (12,770lb) treat was unveiled to staff and visitors at the confectioner's headquarters in Alfreton, Derbyshire, on Wednesday.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The bay colt, owned by Zayat Stables and trained by Bob Baffert, was installed as the 3-5 morning-line fatorite at Wednesday's draw, held for the first time at Rockefeller Center in Manhattan instead of Belmont Park's Garden Terrace room.

The Guardian - Sport

The most likely potential spoilers in American Pharoah's bid for history include Frosted (fourth in the Kentucky Derby) and Materiality (sixth), the second and third favorites at 5-1 and 6-1 respectively, who are superior closers capable of overtaking fading contenders down the stretch.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "5" when you need precision, such as in data, statistics, or technical writing.

Common error

Avoid mixing numerals and spelled-out numbers in the same context. Choose one style and maintain it throughout your writing to ensure consistency.

Linguistic Context

The numeral "5" functions as a cardinal number, indicating quantity. It specifies a precise amount or count of something. Ludwig provides numerous examples of its use in various contexts, showcasing its straightforward application as a numerical value.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Business

15%

Lifestyle

13%

Less common in

Sport

10%

Tech

8%

Opinion

8%

Travel

8%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The numeral "5" is a fundamental element of written English, primarily functioning as a cardinal number to denote a specific quantity. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and widely usable. Ludwig's examples show it's very common across various contexts, including news, business, and lifestyle. While it's crucial to maintain consistency in number representation, spelling out "five" is advisable in formal writing or when starting a sentence. Understanding these nuances ensures clarity and precision in communication.

Alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

five

Spelled-out form of the number, appropriate for formal writing or when starting a sentence.

approximately five

Indicates an estimate close to "5", allowing for minor variation.

around five

Similar to approximately, suggesting a number near "5".

a few

Indicates a small quantity, less precise than specifying "5".

several

Suggests more than a few but still a relatively small number, not exact.

half a dozen

An idiomatic expression meaning "six", close to "5" but not equivalent.

FAQs

How should I write the number 5 in formal writing?

In formal writing, it's generally recommended to spell out numbers from one to nine. Therefore, you would write "five" instead of "5".

Is it ever acceptable to start a sentence with the numeral "5"?

While technically acceptable, it's better to avoid starting a sentence with a numeral. Rewrite the sentence or spell out the number: "Five apples were in the basket."

What is the correct way to use "5" in statistical or technical writing?

In statistical or technical contexts, using the numeral "5" is perfectly acceptable and often preferred for conciseness and clarity.

Are there alternatives to using the number "5" in my writing?

Depending on the context, you might use alternatives like "a few", "several", or "approximately five" if precision isn't necessary. Otherwise, the number "5" or the word "five" are suitable.