a particular number

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a particular number" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a specific number in a context where the exact value is not yet disclosed or is not important to the overall message. Example: "In the study, participants were asked to select a particular number that represented their level of satisfaction."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Run this test a particular number of times.

The New York Times

In a price negotiation, this might be a particular number.

Harvard University

It's probably obvious by now that I'm not going to counter with a particular number.

The New York Times

Musing about whether he could pull off a particular number, he demurred — "No.

The New York Times - Arts

"I am employed to teach a particular course for a particular number of hours," Roberson says.

The Guardian

And last month Mayor Bloomberg added his support, though he didn't commit to a particular number.

The New Yorker

In the "overlay" system, a week is worth a particular number of points, depending on location and time of year.

The New York Times - Travel

Clive: You'd have frequent flier miles if you'd been rendered to a particular number of different countries.

The Guardian - Music

A computer memory can be compared to a large rack of pigeonholes, each having a particular number or address (location).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Experimental data (crack size after a particular number of loading cycles) and statistical methods are used to calibrate the EIFS.

International Journal of Fatigue

Many reporters picked up on a particular number, three thousand six hundred, claiming that D-Wave's machine was three-thousand-six-hundred times faster than conventional computers.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a particular number", ensure the context makes it clear why the exact number is not specified. If the number is relevant, provide it for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "a particular number" as a filler phrase. If the actual number is known and relevant, state it directly for better communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a particular number" functions as a determiner phrase specifying an unspecified numerical quantity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and commonly used. It acts as a placeholder for a number that is either not known, not important to specify, or intentionally left vague.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

31%

Science

28%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a particular number" is a grammatically correct and very common phrase used to denote a specific, yet unspecified, numerical quantity. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide usage. It is suitable for various contexts ranging from news and media to scientific writing. When using this phrase, be mindful of clarity. If the exact number is relevant or known, providing it enhances communication. Alternatives include "a specific number" and "a certain number", each carrying slightly different connotations. The phrase is frequently found in authoritative sources such as The New York Times and Forbes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a specific number

Emphasizes precision and exactness in quantity, akin to "a particular number" but more direct.

a certain number

Indicates a quantity that is known but not explicitly stated, mirroring the vagueness of "a particular number".

a given number

Suggests a predetermined quantity, similar to "a particular number" in contexts of assignments or conditions.

a designated number

Implies a number that has been officially or formally assigned, adding a layer of authority not always present in "a particular number".

a defined number

Highlights the clarity and specificity of the quantity, contrasting with the potential ambiguity of "a particular number".

a selected number

Focuses on the act of choosing a quantity, similar to "a particular number" when choice is involved.

a precise number

Stresses accuracy and detail in the quantity, unlike the more general "a particular number".

a numerical value

Replaces the broader term 'number' with a more technical term 'value', suitable in more technical or scientific contexts.

an individual number

Emphasizes the distinctiveness of the quantity in focus, offering a slightly different emphasis than "a particular number".

a set quantity

Highlights that the amount is pre-established and known, but not necessarily specified in the immediate context.

FAQs

What does "a particular number" mean?

The phrase "a particular number" refers to a specific, though perhaps unspecified, quantity. It indicates that there is a definite numerical value, even if it is not explicitly mentioned.

When is it appropriate to use "a particular number" instead of stating the exact number?

Use "a particular number" when the exact value is not crucial to the discussion, is unknown, or is being intentionally withheld. It is suitable when the focus is on the existence of a quantity rather than its specific amount.

What are some alternatives to "a particular number"?

You can use alternatives like "a specific number", "a certain number", or "a given number" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "a particular number" and "a certain number"?

While similar, "a particular number" may imply a more deliberate selection or focus on a specific value, whereas "a certain number" simply indicates that some numerical quantity exists but is not specified.