concrete number

USAGE SUMMARY

"concrete number" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are trying to refer to a specific and exact quantity of something, such as when discussing a financial budget. For example, "The city council was able to allocate a concrete number of funds for public infrastructure projects."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

They couldn't come up with a concrete number for anything.

The New York Times

It was the first time Mr. Guttenberg had given a date and a concrete number of troops.

The New York Times

• Jeff Upshaw, an executive vice president and chief strategy officer at BBDO in Atlanta, said that the idea of a concrete number, as opposed to abstractions like relaxation and fun, was relevant to consumers as they contemplated retirement.

The New York Times

And the one concrete number from a bank — Capital One — shows that, while it reduced credit lines by 4.5percentnt in the second quarter, a good chunk of that seems to have come from shutting down inactive accounts, which doesn't really speak to the "sharply curtailing" credit point.

The New Yorker

However, it is not giving a concrete number either on average sale amounts or how many items are getting sold.

TechCrunch

Blackburn believes that putting a concrete number on how we are doing could provide a powerful incentive to change our behaviour.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

Can somebody show me concrete numbers on that?

The Guardian

This week, however, some concrete numbers started to be tossed around.

The Economist

"They have never been able to give us concrete numbers".

The New York Times

As for concrete numbers on how the Olympics actually affect NHL teams?

The Guardian - Sport

Among the candidates for speaker, only Mr. Rodriguez has offered concrete numbers in discussing his supporters.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "concrete number", ensure that the context requires a precise, rather than approximate, value. For example, use it when discussing budgets, statistics, or measurable results.

Common error

Don't use "concrete number" when an estimate or range would be more appropriate. Overusing it can make your writing sound unnecessarily rigid or overly focused on precision when it's not warranted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "concrete number" functions as a noun phrase, often used as a direct object or complement. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is a phrase used when referring to a specific, exact numerical value or quantity, emphasizing precision.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "concrete number" is a grammatically correct and frequently used term to refer to a precise and specific numerical value. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is commonly used in contexts where accuracy is crucial, such as in financial, scientific, and technical domains. While alternatives like ""specific figure"" or ""exact amount"" exist, the choice depends on the nuance you want to convey. Be mindful not to overuse it in contexts where estimations are more appropriate. The phrase appears commonly in news, science and wiki articles, making it a versatile and valuable expression in formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

specific figure

Implies a particular and precise value, often in a formal context.

exact amount

Focuses on the precise quantity or sum, especially in financial contexts.

precise quantity

Highlights the accuracy and detail of the numerical value.

definite value

Emphasizes the clear and unambiguous nature of the number.

quantifiable number

Stresses the ability to measure or count the number.

numerical precision

Highlights the level of exactness in a number.

actual number

Focuses on the real or factual value, as opposed to an estimate.

verifiable amount

Emphasizes that the amount can be confirmed or proven.

fixed number

Implies that the number is set and not subject to change.

specified amount

Highlights that the number has been explicitly stated or defined.

FAQs

How do I use "concrete number" in a sentence?

You can use "concrete number" when you are referring to a specific amount or figure. For example: "The budget requires a "specific figure" for marketing expenses."

What's a good alternative to "concrete number"?

Alternatives include "exact amount", "precise quantity", or "definite value", depending on the context.

Is it always necessary to have a "concrete number"?

No, sometimes estimates or ranges are sufficient. A "concrete number" is important when precision is essential, such as in financial reports or scientific measurements.

What is the difference between "concrete number" and "approximate number"?

A "concrete number" represents a specific, exact value, while an "approximate number" is an estimate or close to the exact value. Using the correct term depends on the level of precision required.