feel for numbers

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "feel for numbers" is not a standard expression in written English, but it can be understood in context.
It can be used when describing someone’s intuitive understanding or sensitivity towards numerical data or mathematical concepts. Example: "As a data analyst, I really feel for numbers; they tell a story that I love to uncover."

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The Chudnovsky formula for pi is thought to be "extremely beautiful,' by persons who have a good feel for numbers, and it is based on a torus (a doughnut), rather than on a circle.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

The company has created the visual look and feel for a number of popular shows, including "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," "Firefly" and "Battlestar Galactica," on which the locations -- a Hellmouth in Sunnydale,..

Los Angeles Times

"I felt for a number of reasons, we needed new direction, invigoration, to play with more enthusiasm and play more like a champion," McLane said.. The 57-year-old Cooper becomes a major league manager for the first time.

The New York Times

The president felt for a number of House Democrats, in particular, who lost in part because of sticking with him on some tough votes, and how many of them, had they voted differently, might have still been there.

The New York Times - Magazine

"It's frustrating because I have felt for a number of years we're getting the short end of it here when it comes to being treated with respect and honesty, being told what's going on," the former Jets quarterback Joe Namath, who monitored the news conference Tuesday, said in a telephone interview.

The New York Times - Sports

He wrote: "Half a Mind" for Ernest Tubb, "That's the Way I Feel" for Faron Young; and his first number one, "Billy Bayou," which along with "Home" were recorded by Jim Reeves.

Wikipedia

Ms. Corey, who is a member of Animal Rights Front, also holds a license so she can bid on trapping sites and visits the vegetation-choked streams of places like Durham Meadows in Durham to get a feel for the numbers of animals and where they are going.

The New York Times

It has felt for some time that the number of yahoos picking up a million dollars to build flipmeat for Yahoo has been declining.

TechCrunch

For example, being inside the crowd may not give the audience as good a feel for the number of people in the street as being above it.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"Golfers like to hit five or six courses on a vacation to get a feel for a number of links," said Chris Hadjikyriacou, director of sales at BuySellCyprus Real Estate and an avid golfer of his country's courses, such as Minthis Hills, set on the grounds of a 12th-century monastery, and Aphrodite Hills, a seafront course that opened in 2002.

BBC

A software menu offers a number of different feels for the vibrations, including "rubbery" (the mouse feels vaguely as if it's about to short-circuit and explode), "sonic vibe" (generates electronic pinball sounds within the mouse) and "spongy" (as bad as it sounds).

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's ability to understand mathematical concepts intuitively, consider using "have a knack for numbers" or "possess a talent for numbers" as alternatives to "feel for numbers" for more common and clearer phrasing.

Common error

Avoid interpreting "feel for numbers" as a literal sensation. It describes an intuitive understanding, not a physical feeling. Choose precise language to avoid ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "feel for numbers" functions as a descriptive phrase, indicating an intuitive understanding or aptitude in mathematics. Ludwig identifies its use in contexts where someone possesses a natural comfort or skill when working with numerical information.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "feel for numbers" describes an intuitive understanding or knack for mathematics and numerical concepts. While grammatically acceptable, Ludwig identifies it as a relatively rare expression. Common alternatives include "have a knack for numbers" or "possess a talent for numbers", which are clearer and more frequently used. Though its meaning is generally understandable, considering alternative phrasing can enhance clarity. The phrase appears in a variety of source types, including news, wiki and science, with neutral register.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have a knack for numbers

Emphasizes a natural talent or skill, implying ease and aptitude.

have an aptitude for numbers

Highlights a natural capacity to learn or understand numerical concepts.

possess a talent for numbers

Focuses on an inherent gift or ability in mathematics.

demonstrate a facility with numbers

Suggests ease and skill in handling numerical tasks.

exhibit a comfort with numbers

Highlights a sense of ease and confidence when working with numerical information.

display an affinity for numbers

Implies a natural liking and connection with numerical concepts.

understand numerical concepts intuitively

Focuses on the ability to grasp mathematical ideas without extensive reasoning.

have a mathematical sense

Suggests an inherent awareness and understanding of mathematical relationships.

show numerical proficiency

Indicates competence and skill in dealing with numbers.

grasp quantitative information easily

Highlights the ability to quickly and readily understand numerical data.

FAQs

What does "feel for numbers" mean?

The phrase "feel for numbers" describes an intuitive understanding or sensitivity towards numerical data or mathematical concepts. It implies a natural comfort and ease when working with numbers.

What can I say instead of "feel for numbers"?

You can use alternatives like "have a knack for numbers", "possess a talent for numbers", or "demonstrate a facility with numbers" depending on the context.

Is "feel for numbers" a common phrase?

No, "feel for numbers" is not a particularly common phrase. Alternatives like "have a knack for numbers" are more frequently used and widely understood.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "feel for numbers"?

It's appropriate to use "feel for numbers" when you want to convey an intuitive understanding or natural comfort with numerical concepts. However, be aware that it may not be universally understood, so consider using clearer alternatives like "have an aptitude for numbers" for broader clarity.