an incorrect number

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an incorrect number" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a number that is not accurate or does not match the expected value. Example: "The report showed an incorrect number of sales, which led to confusion in the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

"I've had no service for over a month – callers just get a message saying they have dialled an incorrect number," said Allardice, who runs a human resources consultancy.

The Guardian - Money

Scholars have found a few errors in the problems, and Ahmes even wrote an incorrect number in his St. Ives problem.

The New York Times - Science

A front-page article on June 21 about the failure of Senate Republicans to end debate on the nomination of John R. Bolton as ambassador to the United Nations gave an incorrect number in some copies for senators who did not vote.

The New York Times

Correction: April 28 , 2002 Sunday A front-page news analysis article on Thursday about disagreements among Roman Catholic Church leaders over punishment for priests who have molested minors gave an incorrect number in some copies for Catholics in the United States.

The New York Times

If a business without a legitimate need for the Social Security number asks for it, leave the space blank or fill it with an incorrect number.

Forbes

Frith's argument, however, had two flaws:  he was using an incorrect number for total annual suicides, and his sample size (339 England cricketers) was just not big enough.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

Read the full Pentagon response » This article has been revised to reflect the following correction: Correction: October 23, 2010 An early version of this article gave an incorrect figure for the number of reports covering the years of war in Afghanistan.

The New York Times

This article was amended on 10 January 2017 to remove an incorrect figure for the number of Irish people living in Britain.

The Guardian

As you say, it's illegal to drive a car with incorrect number plates and you could have been liable for a £1,000 fine if caught by police.

The Guardian - Money

[For the record, Nov. 13, 6 25 p.m.: A previous version of this post listed an incorrect phone number for the Colony Theatre. The correct number is above.].

Los Angeles Times

Of the original random sample, 33.9% either had an incorrect telephone number or did not have a listed telephone number, 9.6% did not respond to telephone calls, and 56.1% (n = 3,504) were contacted by telephone.

Diabetes Care

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

If a phone number is incorrect, clearly state that fact to minimize confusion and the time wasted trying to make a call.

Common error

Avoid implying malice or negligence when reporting "an incorrect number". Focus on the factual inaccuracy rather than attributing blame or intent.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an incorrect number" functions as a noun phrase, specifically serving as the object or complement in a sentence. It denotes that a particular numerical value is inaccurate. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

41%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "an incorrect number" is a common and grammatically sound way to indicate that a numerical value is inaccurate. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It frequently appears in News & Media and Science contexts, conveying a need for correction or clarification. While alternatives like "a wrong number" or "an erroneous number" exist, the best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly explains the nature of the inaccuracy and avoid implying intent when simply stating a factual error.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a wrong number

Replaces "incorrect" with "wrong", implying a simple mistake.

an erroneous number

Substitutes "incorrect" with "erroneous", suggesting a factual error.

a mistaken number

Replaces "incorrect" with "mistaken", indicating a judgmental error.

a false number

Uses "false" instead of "incorrect", implying deception or fabrication.

an inaccurate number

Replaces "incorrect" with "inaccurate", emphasizing lack of precision.

an invalid number

Substitutes "incorrect" with "invalid", suggesting that the number does not adhere to required conventions.

a flawed number

Replaces "incorrect" with "flawed", indicating a defect or imperfection in the number.

a garbled number

Indicates the number has been distorted or is incomprehensible.

an imprecise number

Highlights that the number lacks exactness.

an approximate number

Emphasizes that the number is a close estimate but not exact.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "an incorrect number"?

You can use alternatives like "a wrong number", "an erroneous number", or "an inaccurate number", depending on the specific context.

How do I use "an incorrect number" in a sentence?

Use "an incorrect number" when you want to indicate that a particular numerical value is not accurate or correct. For example: "The report contained an incorrect number of attendees."

Is it better to say "incorrect number" or "wrong number"?

Both phrases are acceptable, but "wrong number" typically refers specifically to dialing the wrong telephone number. "Incorrect number" is a more general term applicable to any numerical value that is inaccurate.

What's the difference between "an approximate number" and "an incorrect number"?

"An approximate number" is a close estimate, while "an incorrect number" is definitively wrong. An approximate number might be acceptable in some contexts, whereas an incorrect number always signifies an error.