face the same number

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "face the same number" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It may be intended to express a situation where multiple parties encounter an identical situation or challenge, but the wording is unclear. Example: "In this competition, all participants will face the same number of challenges to ensure fairness."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

In contrast title rivals Arsenal face the same number of games but over nine days.

Independent

Proponents of the deal argue that if Turkey plays its part in curbing the smuggling trade, Greece will not face the same number of migrant arrivals as it has in recent months.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Both batsman have faced almost the same number of deliveries, but Ganguly has scored twice as quickly.

The Guardian - Sport

Sixteen windows face east, and the same number face west for views of the city, river, and surrounding land.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Objects of the same class (e.g., faces) must have the same number of landmarks and the landmarks must be homologous, i.e., each landmark must represent the same anatomical (or functional) feature.

Progress in Orthodontics

In the last few days the world's rich nations have pledged what experts say should be enough food to stave off a far greater disaster: at least eight million Ethiopians face a food shortage, the same number affected in the famine of the mid-1980's that killed hundreds of thousands of people.

The New York Times

Brodeur faced just 16 shots tonight, the same number he faced in Tuesday's Game 1. "I think we've discouraged them," the Devils' captain, Scott Stevens, said of the Mighty Ducks.

The New York Times - Sports

To circumvent this difficulty a set of regular polyhedra called average N-hedra (ANHs) were created in an earlier study consisting of N identical faces that act as topological "proxies" for the corresponding class of irregular network polyhedral cells containing the same number of faces.

Acta Materialia

To the amazement of all, it can be checked that both packets have the same number of face-up cards.

Huffington Post

Bill shuffled exactly half of a deck face-up into the other half face-down, then held the deck under the table before bringing forward two packets and having me check that both contained the same number of face-up cards.

Huffington Post

Normal facial variation was recently analysed on a complete sample of 4747 faces from the ALSPAC database and the same number of PCs was extracted, with an almost identical order of individual PCs and very similar percentages of variation.

BMJ Open

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using the phrase "face the same number" in formal writing. Opt for clearer alternatives like "encounter the same quantity" or "deal with a matching figure" to ensure precise communication.

Common error

Don't assume "face" always implies a challenge. When discussing quantities, using it can create ambiguity. Replace it with verbs that clearly indicate dealing with, experiencing, or encountering a specific number.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "face the same number" is intended to describe a situation where multiple entities encounter or deal with an equal quantity or amount. However, according to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically questionable and lacks clarity. Therefore, it's advisable to use more precise alternatives.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "face the same number" attempts to express the idea of encountering similar quantities or amounts, Ludwig AI indicates that it is grammatically incorrect and lacks clarity. The phrase appears infrequently, primarily in news and scientific contexts, but its awkward phrasing diminishes its effectiveness. For improved communication, it is recommended to use alternatives like "encounter the same quantity" or "deal with a matching figure". By opting for these more precise and grammatically sound alternatives, writers can ensure their message is conveyed accurately and professionally.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

encounter the same quantity

Replaces "face" with a more direct verb and focuses on the numerical aspect.

experience a similar amount

Uses "experience" to broaden the context beyond challenges, emphasizing quantity.

confront an equivalent number

Substitutes "face" with "confront" and uses "equivalent" to stress the numerical match.

deal with a matching figure

Emphasizes the act of handling a specific number, using "matching" for precision.

be presented with a comparable sum

Formalizes the expression, focusing on the act of being given a similar quantity.

have the same numerical value

Shifts the focus to the inherent equality of the numbers themselves.

meet the same quota

Applies to situations involving targets or required amounts.

undergo a like volume

Uses a more formal and passive construction, suitable for technical contexts.

witness an equal measure

Emphasizes observation or experience of a similar quantity.

be subjected to a parallel magnitude

Formal and abstract, focusing on the size or extent of something.

FAQs

What does "face the same number" mean?

While not grammatically ideal, "face the same number" could be interpreted as encountering a similar quantity or amount. However, it's best to use clearer alternatives.

Which is a better way to say "face the same number"?

Instead of "face the same number", consider using phrases like "encounter the same quantity", "deal with a matching figure", or "experience a similar amount".

Is "face the same number" grammatically correct?

No, "face the same number" is not grammatically correct. It's better to use more precise and common alternatives to express the intended meaning.

How can I use "encounter the same quantity" in a sentence?

You can use "encounter the same quantity" in a sentence like: "Both research groups encountered the same quantity of anomalous data during their experiments".