a weaker number

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a weaker number" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are comparing numerical values or discussing the strength or significance of a particular number in relation to others. Example: "In this analysis, we found that a weaker number in the dataset could indicate a potential issue with the measurements."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

But because the UK relies so heavily on consumer spending, some scribblers are now preparing for a weaker number.

The Guardian - Business

But some analysts had said there was a significant risk of a weaker number or even a recession, which is commonly defined as two straight quarters of economic decline.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Analysts had been expecting a weak number.

The New York Times

"That's a weak number to play with," she said.

The New York Times

"We had expected the [European] region to report a weak number, but not as weak as -6.5%," she said, in a note to investors.

The Guardian

This leaves Havas a weak number six in an industry increasingly dominated by giants.Mr de Pouzilhac was handicapped.

The Economist

Mr de Pouzilhac pulled out all the stops to acquire Grey, which would have strengthened Havas, then a weak number six in a consolidating global industry.

The Economist

As for the bond market, its response might be the reverse of the stock market's, he said, with a widening of interest-rate spreads if a weak number is announced.

The New York Times

A weak number could spark even more worries over the global economy... Updated at 1.36pm BST 1.11pm BST Re-Define, the thinktank has published a new report into the Spanish budget plans this lunchtime.

The Guardian - Business

The leaden and plain "Home," meanwhile, was an insult to Mr. Phillips's intelligence, a weak number that used rusticity to stand in for depth, and that needed a marching band to prop it up during his performance.

The New York Times - Arts

But a weak number could cast a pall.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing economic data, use "a weaker number" to succinctly convey a lower than expected result. For example, "Analysts were concerned about a weaker number in the latest GDP report."

Common error

Avoid using "a weaker number" when simply referring to a smaller quantity without implying a negative connotation or deviation from expectations. "Lower number" is more appropriate when merely stating a fact without judgment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a weaker number" primarily functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It serves to describe a numerical value that is less significant or lower than expected. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and suitable for use in various writing contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a weaker number" is a phrase used to describe a numerical value that is lower or less significant than expected. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and usability in various writing contexts. It commonly appears in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business domains. This phrase is useful for conveying underperformance or negative comparisons and implies that a specific number is less desirable than anticipated. When using this phrase, consider the context and ensure that it accurately reflects the intended meaning. Alternatives like ""a lower figure"" or ""a less significant number"" can be used for slight variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a lower figure

Changes "number" to "figure" and "weaker" to "lower", maintaining the core meaning of a reduced value.

a less significant number

Replaces "weaker" with "less significant", emphasizing reduced importance rather than magnitude.

a smaller quantity

Substitutes "number" with "quantity" and "weaker" with "smaller", focusing on the reduced amount.

a reduced amount

Uses "reduced amount" to indicate a decrease in the total sum, shifting from a specific numerical value to a more general measure.

a declining count

Employs "declining count" to suggest a downward trend in the enumeration, rather than a static value.

a diminished value

Replaces "number" with "value" and "weaker" with "diminished", emphasizing a reduction in worth or importance.

a substandard result

Shifts the focus to the outcome, indicating that the number is not meeting the expected standards.

an inferior statistic

Substitutes "number" with "statistic" and "weaker" with "inferior", highlighting that the data is of lower quality.

a less impressive total

Replaces "weaker" with "less impressive", indicating that the number is not as noteworthy as expected.

a pessimistic forecast

Focuses on future predictions, suggesting that the number indicates a negative outlook.

FAQs

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

You can use "a weaker number" to describe a result or statistic that is lower or less significant than expected, often in the context of economic or financial data. For example: "The company's profits showed "a weaker number" than analysts had predicted."

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

You can use alternatives like "a lower figure", "a less significant number", or "a reduced amount" depending on the specific context you are describing.

Is it always negative to describe something as "a weaker number"?

Generally, using "a weaker number" implies a negative comparison or a deviation from an expected or desired result. It suggests that the number is not as strong or positive as it could be. However, the specific implication depends on the context.

What's the difference between "a weaker number" and "a low number"?

"A low number" simply indicates a small quantity, whereas ""a weaker number"" suggests that the number is underperforming or less desirable in a particular context. The latter carries an implicit comparison or expectation.