a same number

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'a same number' is correct and usable in written English.
You typically use this phrase when comparing two or more items that have an equal numerical value. For example, "I have two coins, both of which are worth a same number of points."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

"Of course there will probably be a same number who didn't get fined.

The Guardian

Each content sample has a same number of 128 chunks.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

More than 40,000 practical metallic alloys and a same number of nonmetallic materials like polymers, ceramics, and composites are utilized in various industries (Farag 2002).

Journal of Industrial Engineering International

Figure 13 shows the difference of the histogram of the MT-generated numbers compared to the histogram of a same number of random values from MATLAB. Figure 13 Mersenne Twister distribution.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

A same number of age- and sex-matched patients were identified as controls; these patients had successful union after the same treatment with an Ilizarov frame and had a minimum of 12 months in follow-up.

Strategies in Trauma and Limb Reconstruction

Suppose a benchmark dataset consists of two subsets (subcellular locations) with each containing a same number of proteins.

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Jason is alone in a classroom leaving a message: "Same number, same house, you know where to find me".

Huffington Post

The specialists and their assistants have each been given a number; the same number is used wherever a name appears: on kits, lists, correspondence, and evaluations.

Harvard University

The phone company came to the house with a new phone — same number and address — as an offering to the family.

The New York Times - Magazine

Had he waited a year, that same number of bitcoins could've bought multiple beach houses, a few penthouse condos and a private island in the Caribbean.

Los Angeles Times

They have now gone six games without a win, the same number of games their leading scorer Johan Elmander has gone without a goal.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using the phrase "a same number" in formal writing. Opt for grammatically correct alternatives such as "the same number" or "an equal number".

Common error

The phrase "a same number" incorrectly uses the indefinite article "a" before the adjective "same". "Same" usually requires a definite article ("the") because it refers to a specific identity or equivalence. Remember, using "a" implies that you are referring to one of many, but "same" implies uniqueness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a same number" functions as a modifier describing a noun. Although grammatically questionable, the intended function is to specify that two or more things have an equivalent numerical value or quantity. Despite the errors, examples in Ludwig suggest this usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

30%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "a same number" appears in various sources, including scientific and news media, it's grammatically incorrect. The correct form is "the same number". Ludwig AI confirms this, recommending to use the corrected phrase or other alternatives like "an equal number". Despite its presence in some contexts, avoid using "a same number" in formal writing to maintain grammatical accuracy. The frequency of the phrase is uncommon, further suggesting that it is best to use more standard English alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the same number

This is the grammatically correct and most direct replacement, indicating identical quantity.

an equal number

Replaces "same" with "equal", emphasizing the equivalence in amount or quantity.

a similar number

Indicates a number that is close but not necessarily identical.

the equivalent number

Highlights that the number represents the same value or effect, even if expressed differently.

an identical quantity

Focuses on the quantity being exactly the same.

a corresponding number

Implies a relationship between the number and something else, suggesting a parallel or match.

a matching number

Highlights that the number is paired or associated with another in a specific way.

the same amount

Shifts the focus from a specific number to a general quantity that is identical.

a comparable quantity

Focuses on the amount being similar, although not necessarily exactly equal.

a like quantity

Emphasizes the similarity and comparability of the amount.

FAQs

What is the correct way to say "a same number"?

The grammatically correct way to express "a same number" is "the same number". The definite article "the" is appropriate because it refers to a specific quantity.

Is "a same number" grammatically correct?

No, "a same number" is not grammatically correct. The correct phrasing is "the same number". The word "same" needs to be preceded by the definite article "the".

What can I say instead of "a same number"?

You can use alternatives like "the same number", "an equal number", or "a similar number" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "a same number" and "the same number"?

"A same number" is grammatically incorrect. The proper phrasing is "the same number". The definite article "the" indicates a specific and known quantity, while "a same number" is an ungrammatical construction.