a number close to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a number close to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to an approximate value or estimation in various contexts, such as mathematics, statistics, or general conversation. Example: "The population of the city is a number close to 1 million."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

The City had hoped for a number close to 50, the cut-off between growth and contraction.

The Guardian - Business

I just came off an election yesterday where 72percentt, or a number close to that, of Republican voters said they would like me to be the next mayor of this city.

The New York Times

So they will be keeping 19,888 upper-deck seats at Oakland Coliseum, a number close to the team's 20,728 average attendance, under wraps through the American League Championship Series, should the A's make it that far.

The New York Times - Sports

Phoenix's police chief, Jack Harris, who opposes the new law, said that about 13 percent of his department's arrests are illegal immigrants, a number close to the estimated percentage of illegal immigrants in the local population.

The New York Times

For example, there are now some 50,000 permits that have been issued to Police Department employees to park around station houses and other workplaces, a number close to the 59,000 police and auxiliary officers and civilian employees who are eligible for them.

The New York Times

Throw in ballpark values for any other holdings Mr. Pincus might have – houses, cars, non-Zynga stocks, angel investments in private companies – and you would arrive at a number close to the $1.8 billion Forbes says the tech mogul is worth.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

A number closer to 10 is preferred for sustaining flora and other wildlife.

The New York Times

At the rate we were going, we faced a number closer to 40 in 2008.

The Guardian - Opinion

When they got a number closer to Millikan's value they didn't look so hard.

The New Yorker

Mr. Santos suggested $500,000; John Smirga, the lawyer for the state, recommended a number closer to $2 million.

The New York Times

They are also lower than expected by some pollsters, who had been projecting a number closer to 40 percent.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a number close to", ensure the context provides a clear reference point. For example, clarify what the number is close to and why the approximation is relevant or meaningful in your statement.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the closeness of the approximation. If the number is significantly different, use terms like "in the general vicinity of" or "somewhere around" to avoid misleading your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a number close to" functions as a qualifier, indicating an approximate quantity or value. It modifies a noun by expressing that the actual number is near or similar to a specified figure. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating this function.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

35%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a number close to" is a versatile phrase used to express approximation, frequently found in news, scientific articles, and general discussions. Ludwig AI validates that it's grammatically sound and suitable for conveying estimations when exact numbers aren't crucial. While predominantly neutral, its use tends toward informality, making it less ideal for highly formal contexts where precise language is paramount. When using this phrase, clarity is key; ensure your audience understands what the number is close to. Alternatives like "approximately" or "in the vicinity of" can offer a more formal or precise tone. Overall, "a number close to" serves as a convenient and acceptable way to communicate approximate values.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

close to that total

Highlights that you are getting close to that total, implying a moderate level of closeness

approximately that amount

Focuses on estimation and quantity. This alternative explicitly refers to a quantity and its approximate value.

in the vicinity of that number

Highlights the idea of proximity and range. This option implies a range around the number, suggesting it's not exact.

nearly that figure

Emphasizes the near or almost aspect. This alternative stresses that the value is just short of the stated figure.

almost that many

Focuses on quantity but highlights incompleteness, suggesting it's slightly less.

roughly that total

Indicates a crude estimate, implying less precision. The phrase suggests it's a general estimation not precise to the last digit.

in the neighborhood of that value

Emphasizes a range of possible values around the central number. The phrase is less precise and highlights surrounding values.

not far from that sum

This alternative uses a double negative to indicate proximity, implying a moderate level of closeness to that sum.

around that quantity

Specifies an approximate amount, suitable when the exact number is not critical. It's less formal and more conversational.

something like that magnitude

Refers more to the scale or size, rather than an exact numerical correspondence. It implies a broader and less precise estimate.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "a number close to" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "approximately", "in the vicinity of", or "in the neighborhood of" instead of "a number close to".

Is it appropriate to use "a number close to" in academic writing?

While acceptable, using more precise language like "approximately" or providing a specific range is generally preferred in academic writing. However, "a number close to" is suitable for less formal sections or when exact figures are not crucial.

What's a more casual way to say "a number close to"?

For a casual context, you might say "around", "about", or "something like" instead of "a number close to".

How do I ensure clarity when using "a number close to" in my writing?

Always provide enough context so your audience understands what the number is being approximated to. For instance, clarify "a number close to the expected revenue" or "a number close to the average value".