a given number

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a given number" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to an unspecified but understood number. For example, "The test scores ranged from 30-50, so the average should be a given number somewhere in between."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Returns the negative of a given number.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Each SLD requires a given number of wavelengths (its multiplicity).

Electronic Notes in Discrete Mathematics

Formats a number as a decimal with a given number of places after the decimal point.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

We first give sufficient conditions for the H∞ norm being less than a given number.

Fuzzy Sets and Systems

The size of each cycle should not be less than a given number.

Electronic Notes in Discrete Mathematics

We give a sufficient condition for the norm being less than a given number.

Fuzzy Sets and Systems

The developed approach maximizes the lines' level of redundancy for a given number stations.

IFAC-PapersOnLine

You hand over your credit card details and pledge to exercise a given number of times a week.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Snapchat self-destructs in a given number of seconds, and if they try to screengrab it, you get a notification.

The Guardian

Returns the natural logarithm of a given number, that is, the logarithm to the base e (2.71828...).

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The ratios are high, not low -- a high number of adults to a given number of children.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a given number", ensure the context makes it clear what that number refers to, even if the specific value isn't explicitly stated. Clarity is key.

Common error

Avoid using "a given number" in situations where the reader has no way to infer what the number might be. If there's no prior mention or implied understanding, be more specific.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a given number" functions as a determiner phrase modifying a noun. It indicates a quantity that is predetermined or understood within a specific context. This is validated by Ludwig, which identifies it as grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

48%

News & Media

25%

Academia

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a given number" is a versatile phrase used to denote a quantity that is either known or understood within a specific context. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and frequently used across academic, scientific, and news media. While versatile, remember that clarity is paramount: ensure the number's context is evident to the reader. Alternatives like "a specified number" or "a particular number" can be considered for subtle variations in meaning. By following these guidelines, you can effectively incorporate "a given number" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a specified number

Replaces "given" with "specified", implying that the number has been explicitly stated.

a particular number

Substitutes "given" with "particular", suggesting that a specific number is being referenced.

a designated number

Uses "designated" instead of "given", implying that the number has been officially assigned.

a certain number

Replaces "given" with "certain", indicating that the exact number might not be known, but it exists.

a predetermined number

Uses "predetermined" instead of "given", emphasizing that the number was decided in advance.

an established number

Substitutes "given" with "established", indicating that the number has been confirmed or agreed upon.

a fixed number

Replaces "given" with "fixed", suggesting the number is not subject to change.

a pre-set number

Uses "pre-set" instead of "given", meaning that the number has been arranged or decided in advance.

a known number

Substitutes "given" with "known", indicating that the number is publicly available.

a defined number

Replaces "given" with "defined", implying that the number has a precise meaning or value.

FAQs

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

Use "a given number" when you want to refer to a quantity that is already known or understood within the context of the discussion. For example: "Repeat the process for "a certain number" of iterations."

What's a simple way to rephrase "a given number"?

You can replace "a given number" with alternatives such as "a specified number" or "a particular number" depending on the context. Each emphasizes a slightly different aspect of the number's status.

Is it better to specify the exact number instead of using "a given number"?

It depends on the context. If the exact number is crucial and known, specifying it directly is clearer. If the exact number is less important than the concept, or if it varies, "a given number" can be appropriate. In general, using a specified number will prevent confusions.

What are common situations where I might use "a given number"?

You might use "a given number" when describing experimental procedures, mathematical problems, or programming algorithms where a parameter needs to be set, but its specific value isn't as critical as the process itself. Also it is useful to use a specified number to prevent confusion.