cut the number

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cut the number" is correct and usable in written English.
You might use this phrase when referring to reducing the quantity of a certain number, such as in the sentence "We need to cut the number of employees in the company."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Cut the number in half.

The New York Times

Cut the number of adverts by 50%.

The Guardian - Opinion

"To cut the number of murders in half".

The New York Times

Ireland has also cut the number of civil servants.

The Guardian - Business

First, we're going to cut the number of appeal rights.

The Guardian

Ford also cut the number of direct suppliers.

The Economist

This should cut the number and cost of lost bags.

The Economist

To save money, it cut the number of productions.

The Economist

The boundary review is also intended to cut the number of MPs from 650 to 600.

The Guardian

In 1999, the state cut the number of signatures needed by 90percentt.

The New York Times

This has sharply cut the number of experienced lawyers willing to take on such work.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cut the number", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being reduced and why. For example, specify "cut the number of employees" rather than simply "cut the number".

Common error

A common mistake is using "cut the number" without specifying what number is being reduced. Always provide context to avoid confusion. For example, instead of saying "We need to cut the number", specify "We need to cut the number of projects".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cut the number" primarily functions as a verb phrase used to describe the action of reducing a specific quantity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and commonly used. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "cut the number" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that signifies reducing a quantity. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability across various contexts. Predominantly found in news and business domains, it serves to inform or instruct about a decrease in numerical value. While more formal alternatives exist, its neutral register makes it widely acceptable. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying what number is being reduced to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reduce the quantity

Focuses on the action of making the quantity smaller, slightly more formal.

decrease the amount

Highlights diminishing the amount, implying a gradual reduction.

lower the figure

Emphasizes reducing a numerical value or statistic, often used in reporting.

diminish the count

Stresses lessening a specific enumeration, suggesting a more precise decrease.

curtail the total

Indicates limiting the overall sum, implying a controlled reduction.

trim the sum

Suggests a precise and careful reduction of an amount, often used in financial contexts.

scale down the volume

Emphasizes reducing the overall magnitude, implies a proportional decrease.

pare down the tally

Suggests a deliberate and careful reduction, often in the context of eliminating unnecessary items.

lessen the aggregate

Highlights reducing the total or combined amount, more formal and statistical.

downsize the magnitude

Implies reducing the size or extent, particularly of something large or significant.

FAQs

How can I use "cut the number" in a sentence?

You can use "cut the number" to describe reducing the quantity of something. For instance, "The company decided to "reduce the workforce" and "cut the number of projects" to save costs".

What are some alternatives to "cut the number"?

Alternatives include "reduce the quantity", "decrease the amount", or "lower the figure". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it always appropriate to use "cut the number" in formal writing?

While "cut the number" is generally acceptable, more formal alternatives like "diminish the count" or "curtail the total" might be preferred in highly formal or academic contexts.

What's the difference between "cut the number" and "reduce the number"?

While similar, "cut the number" often implies a more decisive or immediate reduction, whereas "reduce the number" can suggest a more gradual or managed decrease. Both are widely understood and generally interchangeable.