a true number

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a true number" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you want to emphasize the authenticity or validity of a numerical value. Example: "In mathematics, a true number is essential for accurate calculations and results."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

The error, retracted weeks ago when noticed, assigned a true number to the wrong time frame.

The New York Times

So this test was put in place to get a true number.

The New York Times

"You can fool around with earnings all day long," he said, "but sales are a true number that gives an accurate picture of a company's growth".

The New York Times

In the data set, 7% of activities had a true number of 0 healthcare personnel involved, 51% had one healthcare personnel, 32% had two healthcare personnel, and 10% had three healthcare personnel.

Nature

I have, of course, applied to several graduate schools, and considered several professors to work for, but I always had a true number one choice in my mind; I couldn't have made a better decision, and I couldn't have had a better PhD adviser.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

And while a true number is difficult to reach — not every sick person is tested, for instance, and the cause of a death in the hospital can be clouded by co-morbidities — it is likely that no more than a few hundred people in America, and possibly far fewer, have died of the flu this winter.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Only the Kyocera has a true number-dialing pad, for example.

The New York Times - Tech

Alarmingly, the number, to be announced by a human rights organisation this week, is only a fraction of the true number of lives lost.

The Guardian - Opinion

Regardless of the true number, a singular focus on overhead is misguided for a few reasons.

Huffington Post

We conducted a 3-source capture recapture analysis to generate an estimate of the true number of AE cases in Germany from 2003 through 2005.

Emerging Infectious Diseases

The HPA says 3,046 cases have been confirmed by lab tests so far this winter – but that is a fraction of the true number.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When emphasizing the reliability of data, use "a true number" to highlight that the figure is not an estimate or approximation, but a confirmed value.

Common error

Avoid using "a true number" when discussing estimates or ranges; reserve it for situations where the numerical value is precisely known and verified.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a true number" functions as a noun phrase, modifying a noun to emphasize the accuracy and reliability of the numerical value. It is commonly used to distinguish confirmed values from estimates or approximations. Ludwig AI indicates that it is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a true number" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to emphasize the accuracy and reliability of a numerical value. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts. While its frequency is uncommon, it frequently appears in News & Media and Science publications, signaling its importance in contexts requiring precision. Alternatives include "an accurate figure" and "the actual count". Using "a true number" appropriately can strengthen the credibility and clarity of your writing, especially when differentiating confirmed figures from estimates is crucial.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an accurate figure

Focuses on the precision and correctness of the numerical value.

the actual count

Emphasizes the real, non-estimated quantity.

the real number

Highlights the authenticity of the numerical value.

the precise value

Stresses the exactness of the numerical amount.

the correct amount

Focuses on the accuracy and validity of the quantity.

a valid statistic

Emphasizes the statistical correctness and reliability of the figure.

the factual number

Highlights that the number is based on facts and evidence.

the verified quantity

Emphasizes that the number has been checked and confirmed.

the definitive figure

Highlights that it is the final, most reliable number.

the exact quantity

Stresses the pinpoint accuracy of the numerical amount.

FAQs

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

Use "a true number" when you want to emphasize that a particular numerical value is accurate and reliable, not an estimate or approximation. For example, "The audit revealed "a true number" of discrepancies".

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

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "an accurate figure", "the actual count", or "the real number".

When is it appropriate to use "a true number"?

It is appropriate to use "a true number" when you want to highlight the factual and verified nature of a numerical value, especially in contexts where accuracy is critical.

What is the difference between "a true number" and "an estimated number"?

"A true number" implies a confirmed, precise value, whereas "an estimated number" suggests an approximation or a calculated guess. Use "a true number" when certainty is paramount.