a consecutive number

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a consecutive number" is not correct in standard English usage.
The correct term is "consecutive numbers," which refers to numbers that follow one after another in order without any gaps. Example: "The consecutive numbers from 1 to 5 are 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

A consecutive number of subjects were recruited from various study sites.

Progress in Orthodontics

He's played a consecutive number of games at a high level, done magnificently and that itself warrants some thought".

BBC

After randomisation all participants receive a research code consisting of a consecutive number.

BMC Public Health

No elements contain annotations and they are named with a consecutive number only.

BMC Systems Biology

Amplitudes that exceed a given threshold in a consecutive number of frequency bins characterize these dominant frequency bins (Fig. 2C).

American Journal of Primatology

Each phrase (term) in the nomenclature (neocl.xml) is converted into intercalated doublets, and each doublet is assigned a consecutive number.

BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

Since historical dating must take all these factors into account, it occurred to the 16th-century French classicist and literary scholar Joseph Justus Scaliger (1540 1609) that a consecutive numbering system could be of inestimable help.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The movement numbers follow the editions of the, first in a consecutive numbering (NBA II), then in numbering for the four individual parts (NBA I).

Wikipedia

Moreover, 'msm' as a tool for multistate modelling requires a consecutive numbering of (disease) states, starting with '1'.

BMJ Open

Patient identity refers to the response (SD, stable disease) according to the MDS criteria for hematological improvement [ 19] and a consecutive numbering.

Clinical Epigenetics

In Yang 2001 the sequence was generated by computer; in Gai 2004 a consecutive numbered chart was used (no further explanation was given); in Gohel 2007 'the rule of even and odds' was used.

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to numbers in a series, consider using "consecutive numbers" or "sequential numbers" for better clarity and grammatical correctness.

Common error

Instead of using the phrase "a consecutive number", which Ludwig AI identifies as incorrect, opt for "consecutive numbers" or "sequential numbers" to maintain grammatical accuracy and clarity in your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a consecutive number" functions primarily as a noun phrase that attempts to identify a single number within an ordered sequence. However, as pointed out by Ludwig AI, its usage is often grammatically questionable, with "consecutive numbers" being the more acceptable form.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

65%

News & Media

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "a consecutive number" appears in various sources, Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically incorrect. The intended meaning revolves around identifying a number within a sequence, primarily in scientific and technical contexts. The preferred and grammatically sound alternative is "consecutive numbers", especially when referring to multiple numbers in a series. For clarity and correctness, it's best to rephrase when you need to refer to one element of "consecutive numbers".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sequential number

Replaces "consecutive" with "sequential", maintaining the core meaning of following in order.

successive number

Uses "successive" as a synonym for "consecutive", indicating a number that follows directly after another.

series of consecutive numbers

Emphasizes the collection of numbers in sequence rather than a single instance.

sequence of numbers

Focuses on the arrangement of numbers in a particular order, usually ascending or descending.

consecutive numbering

Turns the phrase into a noun, describing the act of numbering in sequence.

consecutive integer

Specifies that the numbers are integers, emphasizing their whole number nature.

running number

Implies a number that increases sequentially, often used in identification or tracking.

ordered number

Highlights the arrangement of a number within a specific sequence or set.

number in sequence

Clarifies that the number is part of a recognized and ordered progression.

serial number

Indicates a unique number assigned to identify an item in a series.

FAQs

How to use "consecutive numbers" in a sentence?

You can use "consecutive numbers" to describe a series of numbers that follow each other in order, such as, "The test included a question about the sum of five "consecutive numbers"."

What's the difference between "sequential numbers" and "consecutive numbers"?

The terms "sequential numbers" and "consecutive numbers" are often used interchangeably to describe numbers that follow each other in order without gaps. However, "sequential" can sometimes refer to a broader order, while "consecutive" typically implies an unbroken sequence.

What can I say instead of "a consecutive number"?

While grammatically questionable, if you need to express a single number in a sequence, consider rephrasing to "a number in sequence" or "an element of "consecutive numbers"" to maintain clarity.

Which is the correct way to say it, "a consecutive number" or "consecutive numbers"?

According to standard English grammar, "consecutive numbers" is the correct phrase. The phrase "a consecutive number" is generally considered grammatically incorrect.