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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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exact number

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

"exact number" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used when you want to refer to a specific number or quantity in a precise way. For example, "We don't know the exact number of people who attended the event."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The exact number?

(The exact number is classified).

The exact number doesn't matter.

News & Media

The New York Times

The exact number is unknown.

The exact number changes constantly.

News & Media

The New York Times

The exact number remains classified.

News & Media

The New York Times

The exact number of dead was unclear.

News & Media

The New York Times

The exact number of attacks remains unclear.

News & Media

The New York Times

It offers an exact number: 109.

News & Media

The New York Times

The exact number is open to debate.

News & Media

The New York Times

The exact number of attackers remained unclear.

News & Media

The New York Times
Show more...

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "exact number" when you need to emphasize the importance of precision and accuracy in numerical data. For example, in scientific reports, financial statements, or legal documents.

Common error

Avoid using "exact number" when an approximation or estimate is sufficient. Insisting on an exact figure where it's impractical or impossible to obtain can undermine credibility.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

86%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exact number" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where "exact" modifies the noun "number". According to Ludwig AI, this construction is grammatically correct and widely used. The examples in the search data confirm this usage, typically referring to specific quantities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "exact number" is a common and grammatically sound construction used to emphasize precision in numerical data. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread applicability. As seen in the examples, it frequently appears in news, science, and formal business contexts where accurate figures are essential. Related phrases include "precise quantity" and "accurate figure", but it's important to avoid insisting on an exact figure when an estimate suffices. The high frequency and authoritative sources confirm its validity as a useful expression.

FAQs

How can I use "exact number" in a sentence?

You can use "exact number" when you need to specify a precise quantity or amount. For example, "We need to know the "exact number" of participants before finalizing the arrangements".

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

Alternatives include "precise quantity", "accurate figure", or "specific amount", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to provide the "exact number"?

No, sometimes an approximation or estimate is sufficient. Use the "exact number" only when precision is crucial to the context.

What do you do when the "exact number" is unknown?

When the "exact number" is unknown, acknowledge it and, if possible, provide an estimated range or indicate the reasons for the uncertainty. For example, "The "exact number" of casualties is still unclear, but initial reports suggest between 50 and 75".

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Source & Trust

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Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: