a familiar number

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a familiar number" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a number that is recognized or known by the speaker or audience. Example: "When I saw the results, I was surprised to find a familiar number appearing again."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

"That's not a familiar number to me," he said.

The New York Times

The time of the goal was a familiar number to longtime Rangers fans.

The New York Times - Sports

Saturday, a familiar number came up on Dayton Coach Brian Gregory's cellphone.

The New York Times - Sports

Instead, he is just happy to be back on the field, with a familiar number on his back.

The New York Times - Sports

As the nation's largest savings and loan teetered on Thursday morning, a senior federal regulator called a familiar number: James Dimon's.

The New York Times

But the band did more than keep the temperature high and the dancers moving; its arrangements were so startling that even a familiar number like "St . LouisBlues" sounded new.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

I woke up to the phone ringing, noticed a vaguely familiar number and hit Ignore.

Forbes

This shift to a linear representation is evident first with familiar number contexts and then subsequently with less familiar number ranges [ 17].

Behavioral and Brain Functions

DENVER — Back in the sanctuary of his Atlanta hotel room early Wednesday morning, about an hour after the Braves demolished the Mets while sweeping a doubleheader, David Wright dialed a familiar phone number.

The New York Times - Sports

The use of a familiar (0-20) number line meant that our analysis could extend beyond the more abstract linear and logarithmic modeling interpretations and examine the variable strategic behaviors associated with individual target numbers.

Behavioral and Brain Functions

Again, that familiar number.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a familiar number" when you want to convey that a numerical value is easily recognized, frequently encountered, or resonates with previous experiences. For example, in sports writing, you might say 'His jersey number is a familiar number to fans.'

Common error

Avoid using "a familiar number" when you need to express a precise measurement or a specific, unfamiliar value. This phrase implies a level of general recognition, not exactness. Instead, opt for a more precise term when accuracy is key.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a familiar number" acts as a noun phrase, where "familiar" modifies "number". It functions to identify a specific number that is recognized or known within a certain context. As Ludwig AI states, it indicates a number that resonates with prior experiences.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Sports

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a familiar number" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that indicates a numerical value is known or easily recognized. According to Ludwig AI, it implies that the number resonates with prior experience. It's common in news, science, and sports contexts. When using this phrase, remember its implication of general recognition rather than precise measurement. Alternative phrases include "a recognized figure" or "a known quantity". While versatile, it is best suited for neutral contexts. The analysis of the example sentences from Ludwig showcases its broad applicability in various domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a well-known figure

Similar to "a recognized figure" but emphasizes the widespread knowledge.

a recognized figure

Replaces 'number' with 'figure', focusing on recognition.

a recognizable numeral

Focuses on the numeral being easily identified.

a known quantity

Substitutes 'number' with 'quantity', implying a predictable amount or value.

a common value

Emphasizes the prevalence of the number.

a recurring digit

Highlights the repetition of the number.

a usual statistic

Replaces 'number' with 'statistic', suggesting a typical data point.

a typical amount

Focuses on the amount being characteristic or standard.

a repeated integer

Highlights the repetition of an integer.

a constant metric

Emphasizes the unchanging nature of the metric.

FAQs

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

You can use "a familiar number" to indicate that a specific numerical value is commonly known or easily recognized. For example: "The $400 billion reduction is "a familiar number" for the Pentagon."

What are some alternatives to "a familiar number"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "a recognized figure", "a known quantity", or "a common value".

Is it grammatically correct to use "a familiar number"?

Yes, "a familiar number" is grammatically correct. It follows standard English grammar rules.

What does "a familiar number" imply?

"A familiar number" implies that a particular numerical value is not new or surprising; it's something that is easily recalled or recognized, often due to prior experience or common knowledge.