a whole number

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a whole number" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in mathematical contexts to refer to non-negative integers, including zero. Example: "In this equation, we are looking for a whole number solution that satisfies the given conditions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"It's ironic in a whole number of ways".

The New Yorker

It will be projected on to a whole number of things.

The Guardian

She had them write down other numbers whose square root was a whole number.

The New Yorker

This is because a calendar year does not consist of a whole number of weeks.

The New York Times

Retailers have typically priced goods just below a whole number: $9.99, say.

The Economist

I have had a whole number of very experienced, successful managers.

Independent

The saros period also comprises 238.992 anomalistic months, again nearly a whole number.

Encyclopedia Britannica

By adjusting the number through trial and error, you will eventually come up with a whole number.

The New York Times

You may have to adjust either the picket width or spaces to arrive at a whole number.

The New York Times

The thickness, or size, of a wire is called the gauge, and it is designated with a whole number.

The New York Times

"I was expecting the course to be challenging and it was challenging on a whole number of levels – it was academically challenging and the placements were challenging".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In technical contexts where precision is required, specify the type of whole number (e.g., positive whole number, non-negative whole number) to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a whole number" when you actually mean a rational number or any number that can be expressed as a fraction. "A whole number" refers specifically to integers without any fractional parts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a whole number" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the object or complement in a sentence. It specifies a numerical quantity that is an integer, without any fractional or decimal parts. Examples from Ludwig show it being used in various mathematical and general contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Wiki

31%

Science

26%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a whole number" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to refer to non-negative integers. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability and provides numerous examples across diverse fields, including news, science, and wikis. When writing, using alternatives like "integer" or "counting number" can add precision, but "a whole number" remains accessible and understandable for general audiences. Remember to avoid confusing it with rational numbers, and always specify the type of whole number if precision is needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an integer

Replaces "whole number" with a more technical term from mathematics.

a positive integer

Specifies that the number is both whole and greater than zero.

a counting number

Highlights the use of whole numbers for counting discrete quantities.

a natural number

A formal term for a non-negative integer.

a round number

Refers to a number that is easy to work with or remember, often a multiple of 10 or 100.

a full number

Implies completeness, similar to the 'whole' aspect.

an integral value

Replaces 'number' with 'value', emphasizing the numerical quantity.

a complete number

Emphasizes the idea of being entire or undivided.

a pure number

Highlights the absence of fractional or decimal components.

an exact number

Suggests precision without any decimal places.

FAQs

How is "a whole number" used in mathematical contexts?

"A whole number" is commonly used to refer to non-negative integers (0, 1, 2, 3, ...). It's often used in basic arithmetic and number theory.

What's the difference between "a whole number" and an integer?

While the terms are often used interchangeably, strictly speaking, integers include negative numbers, whereas "a whole number" typically refers to non-negative integers. Therefore, -1 is an integer, but not "a whole number".

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

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like an "integer", "natural number", or "counting number".

Is zero considered "a whole number"?

Yes, zero is generally considered "a whole number". The set of whole numbers includes 0 and all positive integers.