a numerical system

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a numerical system" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a method or framework for representing numbers, such as in mathematics or computing. Example: "The decimal system is a widely used numerical system that employs base ten."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

It is a numerical system that is expanding.

The Guardian

The GB team in Daegu scored fewer points (medals converted into a numerical system) than the previous two world championships in Osaka and Berlin.

The Guardian - Sport

Those ghostly tunings you hear when he plays electric guitar are based on a numerical system known as the Fibonacci series.

The New York Times - Arts

Hutcheson was so sure that we enjoyed the spectacle of virtue that he made a weird kind of hedonic calculation, a numerical system in which different acts were rated according to the pleasure they gave.

The New Yorker

The set of all rational numbers forms a numerical system in the sense that if we add, subtract, multiply or divide any two rational numbers we obtain another rational number.

The New York Times - Books

Granted, attributing any sort of value to these observations is not that easy, but that's why we employ a numerical system! 4/10 RA 16.24 and all is well 16.25 I think I get a fav on a tweet about how much I hate cars.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

A simple, numerical system of notation together with an oral tradition that stresses absolute precision in text, intonation, and bodily gestures has served to perpetuate this stable tradition and to ensure its uniformity throughout all parts of India.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The range of opinion on what the script encodes varies from an Indo-Aryan language [6] and a Dravidian language [4] to a purely numerical system [7].

Plosone

The numbers defined above also have that property — employing a solution to X²=2, we have created a new numerical system!

The New York Times - Books

What he brought to the table was what Americans always bring: encyclopedic ambitions and a universal numerical system.

The New Yorker

The matte red panels of the space were accented with random cutaways that suggested a futuristic numerical system or hieroglyphs.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a system that uses numbers for identification or categorization, use "a numerical system" for clarity. For example, "The library uses a numerical system to organize books by subject."

Common error

Avoid using "a numerical system" when you mean an ordinal system (first, second, third). Numerical systems focus on quantity, while ordinal systems denote position or order.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a numerical system" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to a structured method of representing numbers. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use in describing various systems across different fields.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Reference

7%

Wiki

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a numerical system" is a grammatically sound and commonly used noun phrase that refers to a method of representing numbers, often used for organization, calculation, or identification. Ludwig's analysis confirms its correctness and usability, as demonstrated by numerous examples across diverse contexts. Its register is primarily neutral to formal, making it appropriate for scientific, technical, and descriptive writing. When using this phrase, it's important to distinguish it from ordinal systems, which denote position rather than quantity. As Ludwig AI suggests, alternative phrases such as "a number system" or "a counting system" can be used to add variety to your writing, depending on the specific emphasis you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a number system

This alternative emphasizes the base or radix of the system.

a counting system

Focuses on the act of enumeration or calculation.

a mathematical system

Broader term implying a more complex structure than just numbers.

a code system

Refers to a system where numbers represent specific information or values.

a grading system

Specifically used for evaluating performance using numbers.

a scoring system

Similar to a grading system, but can be used in various contexts beyond education.

a rating scale

Used to measure or evaluate something on a numerical scale.

a scale of measurement

Emphasizes the use of numbers to quantify attributes.

a quantitative method

Focuses on the use of numerical data in analysis.

an arithmetic framework

Implies a structured approach to numerical calculations.

FAQs

How can I use "a numerical system" in a sentence?

You can use "a numerical system" to describe any method that uses numbers for organization, identification, or measurement. For instance, "The company uses "a numerical system" for tracking inventory."

What's the difference between "a numerical system" and "a mathematical system"?

"A mathematical system" is a broader term referring to a set of concepts, axioms, and rules, while ""a numerical system"" specifically deals with representing and manipulating numbers.

Are there alternatives to saying "a numerical system"?

Yes, depending on the context, you could use terms like "a number system", "a counting system", or "a grading system". Each emphasizes a different aspect of using numbers.

Is "a numerical system" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, ""a numerical system"" is suitable for formal writing in scientific, technical, and academic contexts. It's a clear and precise term.