according to number

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "according to number" is not commonly used in written English and may sound awkward or unclear.
It could be used in contexts where you are referencing data or information that is organized by numerical values or categories. Example: "The results were analyzed according to number, revealing trends in the data."

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In general, polyhedrons are named according to number of faces.

Britannica

At the moment, according to Number 10, Cameron and his colleagues are still considering options.

The Guardian

Displays varied according to number of simultaneously presented objects, spatial distance, and difficulty of the task.

Vision Research

For different classification applications, it can be modified easily according to number of inputs and number of reference data.

Digital Signal Processing

Minimal detectable differences with optimized power were calculated in each comparison according to number of patients accrued.

Controlled Clinical Trials

When games were analyzed according to number of the player, it was determined that gender wasn't lead to any differences.

Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences

Pairs of "same" number stimuli were visually different thus allowing to be matched according to number of elements only.

Behavioural Processes

Distributions of the classes according to number of edges and class size were produced which also appear to be approaching asymptotic limits.

Artificial Intelligence

Routes can be classified according to number of sections and, given a time estimate for crossing each section, timing for each route can be calculated.

Mathematics and Computers in Simulation

Yahoo only controls about 21percentt of the search market, while Google dominates with 61.5percentt, according to number from comScore and Nielson last year.

MIT Technology Review

A) According to number of heavy atoms.

Chemistry Central Journal

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, consider if "according to number" is the most precise phrasing. Alternatives like "based on the quantity" or "by numerical order" might offer better clarity depending on the context.

Common error

Avoid using "according to number" when you're actually referring to something else, like a category or type. Ensure the connection is genuinely numerical and not simply an attribute.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "according to number" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb or noun, specifying a criterion or basis for classification, organization, or determination. As Ludwig suggests, clarity might be improved by choosing a stronger alternative depending on the context.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

66%

News & Media

15%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "according to number" is a prevalent prepositional phrase indicating classification or arrangement based on numerical values. While grammatically acceptable and frequently encountered in science and news contexts, as supported by Ludwig, it may benefit from alternatives like "based on quantity" for enhanced precision. It's crucial to ensure the numerical link is explicit to avoid ambiguity. Understanding the nuances of its usage ensures clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

based on quantity

This alternative replaces "number" with "quantity", focusing on amount rather than numerical order.

by numerical order

This phrase specifies the arrangement is in a numerical sequence.

as per count

Using "count" highlights the enumeration aspect, slightly more informal.

in terms of quantity

This rephrasing focuses on assessing something related to specific quantity.

depending on the amount

Emphasizes the variance or outcome is influenced by a specific quantity.

relative to the number

Implies a direct comparison or ratio against another quantity.

in relation to quantity

Focuses on how one aspect varies respective to quantity.

proportional to quantity

This option refers to a ratio relationship based on an amount.

by enumeration

Emphasizes a counting procedure or arrangement process.

with respect to quantity

Highlights consideration of something regarding a particular measurement.

FAQs

What does "according to number" mean?

The phrase "according to number" signifies that something is organized, classified, or varies based on a numerical value or quantity. It indicates a relationship or dependency on numerical data.

How can I use "according to number" in a sentence?

You might use "according to number" to describe how data is grouped (e.g., "The participants were divided into groups according to number of siblings") or how a budget is allocated (e.g., "Figure 2 Budget according to number of patients treated").

What can I say instead of "according to number"?

Alternatives include "based on quantity", "by numerical order", or "in terms of quantity". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. See also: "based on quantity".

Is "according to number" formal or informal?

"According to number" is neither highly formal nor strictly informal; it is suitable for many contexts, especially in scientific or technical writing. However, consider alternatives for increased clarity or conciseness in less formal settings.