a distinct number

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a distinct number" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a specific or unique numerical value in a context where clarity is needed. Example: "In the dataset, each entry is assigned a distinct number to ensure easy identification."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

An example of hierarchical layout is shown in Figure 1c and Figure 2 (below) In Arena3D, we make a distinction between layout and clustering algorithms – clustering algorithms are layout methods that organize data into a distinct number of clusters.

BMC Systems Biology

These systems self-assemble from a distinct number of subunits to form well-regulated and often highly symmetrical quaternary structures.

Comprehensive Supramolecular Chemistry II

We assign every AP along the railway with a distinct number.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Considering the different contact patterns, a distinct number of sexual partners, or different geography, among other variables, it is more appropriate to divide individual hosts into groups in the modeling of an epidemic disease.

Advances in Difference Equations

A distinct number of clusters cannot be identified in this data.

Plosone

A calibration plot was established using Quickcal software (Bangs Laboratories, Inc. USA ) using the median channel fluorescence intensity values for each bead population loaded with a distinct number of APC molecules.

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

Considering the green multilayered BIT ceramics, values between 10 and 14 as a function of the distinct number of layer were found at 1.0 GHz.

Ceramics International

The genome re-arrangements are exhibited as a distinct loci number differences and relocation of variable number (about 30) AT rich pericentromeric regions in C. fontanae.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

A different allele number was given to each distinct sequence within a locus, and a distinct ST number was attributed to each distinct combination of alleles.

Emerging Infectious Diseases

The attested languages do not show a distinct dual number, a grammatical form specifically indicating two objects or feminine gender.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Each of the 27,000 tiles carries a distinct part number, which would enable investigators to identify their location on the shuttle.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a distinct number" when emphasizing that a value is unique or separate from others. This helps to ensure clarity and avoid confusion, particularly in technical or scientific writing.

Common error

Avoid using "a distinct number" when a simpler term like "a number" or "an amount" suffices. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily formal or verbose.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a distinct number" functions as a determiner phrase modifying a noun. It specifies that the noun it modifies (in this case, "number") is unique and separate from others. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

70%

News & Media

15%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a distinct number" is grammatically correct and frequently used across various domains, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It emphasizes the uniqueness and specificity of a numerical value. Its primary function is to provide clarity and precision, especially in scientific, news, and encyclopedic contexts. While it can be used in neutral to formal registers, it's important to avoid overuse in simple contexts where a simpler term would suffice. Related phrases include "a unique quantity" and "a specific amount". Best practice involves using it to highlight individual values or counts, while avoiding wordiness. Authoritative sources such as BMC Genomics and The New York Times demonstrate its use in formal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a unique quantity

Emphasizes the uniqueness of the quantity, highlighting its individuality.

a separate count

Highlights the separateness of the count, implying it is independent from others.

a specific amount

Focuses on the exactness and defined nature of the amount.

a particular figure

Highlights the specific nature of the number.

an individual value

Emphasizes that the value is considered on its own.

a discrete value

Indicates that the value is separate and not continuous.

a defined quantity

Highlights the clearly defined nature of the quantity.

a precise total

Focuses on the accuracy and finality of the total.

an exclusive tally

Highlights that the tally is restricted to a particular set.

a singular measurement

Emphasizes the individuality and isolated nature of the measurement.

FAQs

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

You can use "a distinct number" to indicate a specific and unique quantity. For example, "Each product has "a distinct number" for identification purposes".

What are some alternatives to "a distinct number"?

Alternatives include "a unique quantity", "a specific amount", or "a separate count", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "a distinct number" or "a different number"?

"A distinct number" implies uniqueness and separation, while "a different number" simply means not the same. Use "a distinct number" when uniqueness is important, otherwise, "a different number" may suffice.

When is it appropriate to use "a distinct number" in formal writing?

Use "a distinct number" in formal writing when you need to emphasize the specific and unique nature of a numerical value, especially in scientific or technical contexts where precision is crucial.