dial this number

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dial this number" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when instructing someone to call a specific phone number. Example: "If you need assistance, please dial this number: 1-800-555-0199."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

So I tell the cell phone, 'Dial this number,' " he said.

The New York Times

So switch on the telly or pick up a paper and drink in your fill of lifestyle bile: food, celebrity and property porn masquerading as culture, quietly vilifying the disenfranchised: "Lock up the poor, be a grass, be a tout, dial this number, you're not like them.

Vice

So switch on the telly or pick up a paper and drink in your fill of lifestyle bile: food, celebrity, and property porn masquerading as culture, quietly vilifying the disenfranchised: "Lock up the poor, be a grass, be a tout, dial this number, you're not like them.

Vice

Find out what the international call prefix is for the country that you are in and dial this number into your telephone.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

The caller dials this number and then can leave a phone number or message.

The Digital Consumer Technology Handbook A Comprehensive Guide to Devices, Standards, Future Directions, and Programmable Logic Solutions

" This will dial the number you have given.

WikiHow

Then dial the number and connect.

The New York Times

I would dial the number dozens of times a day.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I'd dial the number.

Vice

Pick up the phone, dial the number, talk.

Huffington Post

Dial the number "39.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider your audience: "call this number" is generally more modern than "dial this number" so adapt your language to who is listening or reading.

Common error

Avoid simply saying "dial this number" without specifying if you're directing someone to use a physical phone, a smartphone app, or another device. Clarify the context to avoid confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dial this number" functions as an imperative, providing a direct command or instruction. The examples from Ludwig showcase its use in directing someone to make a phone call, either on a traditional phone or a mobile device. Ludwig AI confirms this is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Wiki

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "dial this number" is a grammatically correct and understandable, though slightly dated, imperative phrase used to instruct someone to make a phone call by entering a specific sequence of digits. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's perfectly valid in written English. While it is most common in news and wiki contexts, its neutral register makes it suitable for various situations. Modern alternatives like "call this number" might be preferable in contemporary settings. Always consider the context and audience to ensure clarity and relevance. The examples available on Ludwig demonstrate its usage across diverse sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

call this number

Uses the verb "call" instead of "dial", which is a more modern and general term for making a phone call.

phone this number

Replaces "dial" with "phone", a more informal synonym, also emphasizing the act of calling.

ring this number

Uses "ring" instead of "dial", focusing on the sound aspect of a phone call; common in British English.

enter this number

Emphasizes the action of inputting the number, suitable when manual dialing is not implied.

key in this number

More specific to using a keypad to enter the digits; suitable when providing instructions.

punch in this number

Similar to "key in", but implies a more forceful action on the keypad.

make this call

Focuses on the overall action of making a call, rather than the specific act of dialing.

contact this number

Shifts the focus to establishing contact with the person or entity associated with the number.

reach out to this number

Emphasizes the act of initiating communication, often used in business contexts.

get in touch with this number

Similar to "reach out", but implies a more personal or less formal connection.

FAQs

What is a more modern alternative to "dial this number"?

A more modern alternative is to simply say "call this number". Dialing is associated with older phones, so "call" is more universally understood.

Is it correct to use "dial" when referring to smartphones?

While technically correct, using "dial" with smartphones may sound dated. It's more common to say "call this number" or "phone this number".

What is the difference between "dial this number" and "enter this number"?

"Dial this number" specifically refers to the action of inputting digits to make a call. "Enter this number" is more general and can apply to any situation where a number is inputted, not just for making calls.

When should I use "dial" instead of "call"?

Use "dial" when you want to specifically emphasize the action of manually inputting the number, perhaps in a tutorial for older phones or in a historical context. Otherwise, "call this number" is generally more appropriate.