a lower number

USAGE SUMMARY

"a lower number" is correct.
You can use this phrase when you want to differentiate between two numbers and indicate that one is smaller than the other. For example, "The number of people attending the event has decreased to a lower number than expected."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Other tallies may get a lower number.

The New York Times - Arts

Norio's stone lands on a lower number than anyone else's.

The Guardian

We're going to operate with a lower number of people".

The New York Times

Moreover, March saw a lower number of arrests than February.

The Washington Post

This year, sensibly, he's shooting for a lower number.

The New York Times - Arts

Around 280,000 overseas Iraqis have registered to vote, a lower number than had been expected.

The Guardian

Mr. Hampton came back with a lower number — about $2 million, which Mr. Coburn passed on.

The New York Times

The rules of this world were simple; you owned anyone with a lower number than you.

The Guardian

The Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation has not supplied a recent estimates but usually gives a lower number than activists.

The Guardian

"It is a very big number, but present value is a lower number than the gross number".

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Heavier people have been known to prefer a lower number/thicker gauge.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing numerical data, use "a lower number" to clearly indicate a smaller quantity or value, ensuring clarity and avoiding ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "a lower number" always implies something negative. Context is crucial; it may simply indicate a different value, not necessarily a worse one. For instance, "a lower number" of errors is actually a positive outcome.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a lower number" functions as a quantifier, specifically indicating a smaller quantity or value. It's used to compare one numerical amount to another, highlighting the difference in magnitude. As shown by Ludwig, this phrase is widely utilized in various contexts to express comparisons.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

34%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a lower number" is a versatile phrase used to denote a smaller quantity or value in comparison to another. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly appears in diverse contexts such as news, science, and general writing. While it's essential to consider the specific context to determine whether a lower number is desirable or not, understanding its correct usage ensures clear and effective communication. Remember to choose appropriate alternatives, like "a smaller quantity" or "a reduced amount", based on the nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a smaller quantity

Replaces 'number' with 'quantity', focusing on amount rather than numerical value.

a reduced amount

Uses 'amount' instead of 'number', suggesting a decrease in size or extent.

a diminished quantity

Emphasizes the reduction aspect using 'diminished' which implies a decrease in size, extent, or range.

a decreased figure

Substitutes 'number' with 'figure', often used in statistical or numerical contexts.

a lesser value

Focuses on the numerical or quantitative worth, using 'value' to denote importance or significance.

a slighter amount

Replaces "lower" with "slighter" to express minor reduction

a minimal amount

Highlights the smallness or insignificance of the amount.

a curtailed total

Highlights the reduction from a pre-existing state

a more concise quantity

Expresses more efficiently the concept

a dwindling count

Replaces "number" with "count" and highlights the fact that it's lessening

FAQs

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

Use "a lower number" when you want to compare two numerical values and highlight that one is smaller than the other. For example, "We aim for "a lower number" of defects in production".

What are some alternatives to saying "a lower number"?

You can use alternatives such as "a smaller number", "a reduced amount", or "a decreased figure" depending on the context.

Is it always better to have "a lower number"?

Not necessarily. The desirability of "a lower number" depends entirely on the context. For example, "a lower number" of accidents is good, but "a lower number" of sales might be cause for concern.

Which is correct, "a fewer number" or "a lower number"?

"A fewer number" is typically used with countable items, while ""a lower number"" is more generally applicable. However, "a smaller number" may be a better choice in many cases.