Precise number

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Precise number" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a specific, exact quantity or figure in a context where accuracy is important. Example: "The report requires a precise number of participants to ensure accurate data analysis."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Their precise number is unclear.

The New York Times

No precise number was available.

The New York Times

No one knows the precise number.

The New York Times - Science

Each model is then wound a precise number of times.

The New York Times

There's not enough data to give a precise number.

The Guardian

Because many are illegal migrants, the precise number is unknown.

The New York Times

The precise number of people affected is not known.

The New York Times - Science

Deaths are rare, and the precise number is not known.

The New York Times - Health

Well, first you have to marvel at the precise number.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Captain Perez offered a precise number and suggested a method.

The New York Times

Whatever the precise number, many factories are reeling.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "precise number" to convey accuracy and avoid ambiguity, particularly in technical or scientific writing.

Common error

Instead of saying "a lot" or "several", determine and present the "precise number" whenever possible to strengthen your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Precise number" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the object or complement in a sentence. It denotes a quantity that is exact and clearly defined. This usage aligns with the examples provided by Ludwig, which often highlight situations where the exact count is either known, sought after, or unavailable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "Precise number" is a commonly used noun phrase that emphasizes accuracy and specificity in quantification. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently appears in news media, academic writing, and formal business contexts. While striving for a "precise number" is valuable, it is also important to acknowledge situations where such accuracy is not feasible. When writing, using "precise number" demonstrates attention to detail and a commitment to factual correctness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Exact quantity

Replaces "number" with "quantity", focusing on the amount rather than the numeral itself.

Specific figure

Substitutes "number" with "figure", emphasizing a numerical representation.

Accurate count

Focuses on the accuracy of the enumeration.

Definite amount

Highlights the certainty and fixed nature of the quantity.

Exact tally

Implies a careful and detailed counting process.

Actual value

Emphasizes the true or real numerical representation.

Precise measurement

Shifts focus to the method of obtaining the numerical data.

Detailed statistic

Highlights the analytical and informative aspect of the number.

Calculated value

Highlights the process of calculation involved in determing such number.

Verified total

Implies confirmation or validation of the number.

FAQs

How can I use "precise number" in a sentence?

You can use "precise number" to indicate a specific and accurate quantity, such as, "The study requires a /s/precise+number of participants" or "The report provides the /s/precise+number of affected individuals".

What are some alternatives to "precise number"?

Alternatives include "exact quantity", "specific figure", or "accurate count", depending on the context.

When is it important to provide a "precise number"?

It's particularly important to provide a "precise number" in contexts where accuracy is crucial, such as in scientific research, financial reports, or legal documents. In less critical context it is sufficient to provide an approximation.

Is it always possible to determine the "precise number"?

No, sometimes it's impossible to determine the "precise number" due to data limitations or confidentiality, in those cases, stating that the "precise number" is unknown or providing an estimated range is appropriate.