identified by number

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "identified by number" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to an object, item, or individual that is recognized or categorized using a numerical designation. Example: "Each participant in the study was identified by number to ensure anonymity."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

Many of Maine's townships are still identified by number rather than name.

The New Yorker

At times the reports by the Commission have shown costs identified by number or by letter.

Cornell University

The color determines their dining table and train for Amsterdam and the colored carpet that leads to their double-deck bunk beds -- carefully identified by number -- at night.

The New York Times

They concentrated on very small areas at a time, copying from digital printouts in which the colors were marked and identified by number.

The New Yorker

At the end of each day, tellers count their cash on hand and weigh the total against their deposits and withdrawals, each identified by number.

The New York Times

After identifying a beneficiary, like First Equity, by an existing account number, the bank "is permitted to credit the bank account identified by number without regard to any additional information on the transfer instructions," the motion said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

One was a stadium seating map on which the HappyOrNot terminals were identified by numbered, colored circles.

The New Yorker

There they lay in rows, identified by numbers, many dressed in their best clothes as if waiting for a wedding.

The Guardian

For years, Pantone has provided the fashions and home furnishings industries with a uniform system in which colors are identified by numbers.

The New York Times - Tech

Everything about this new state capital had to be a model of rationality: streets and avenues, geometrically laid out, were identified by numbers.

The New York Times - Books

China Metallurgical, a Fortune Global 500 company that has so many subsidiaries that they are mostly identified by numbers, is a signal example.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "identified by number", ensure the context clearly establishes what is being identified and the significance of the number. For example, "Each specimen was identified by number to maintain anonymity during the study."

Common error

Do not use "identified by number" without providing a clear reference to the system or list from which the numbers are derived. Without context, the phrase becomes meaningless. For example, instead of saying "The project was identified by number", specify "The project was identified by number 123 in the registry."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "identified by number" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that something has been recognized or designated through the use of a numerical identifier. As Ludwig AI shows, this construction is common across different domains.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

32%

News & Media

32%

Academia

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "identified by number" is a common and grammatically correct verb phrase used to indicate that something is recognized or designated by a numerical identifier. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is used in a range of contexts, including academia, news, and science. To ensure clarity, it's essential to provide context regarding the numbering system used. Alternatives like "labeled with a number" or "designated numerically" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Be mindful of the appropriate register and audience when using this phrase, aiming for clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Labeled with a number

Focuses on the action of affixing a numerical label.

Assigned a numerical ID

Focuses on the assignment of a numerical identifier.

Numbered for identification

Highlights the purpose of numbering as being for identification.

Designated numerically

Focuses on the act of assigning a number for identification.

Referenced by number

Indicates the use of numbers for referencing specific items.

Recognized by a numeral

Emphasizes the use of a numeral as the means of recognition.

Indexed numerically

Suggests the use of a numerical index for organization.

Categorized by number

Highlights the use of numbers to place items into categories.

Encoded with numbers

Implies a process of converting information into a numerical code.

Coded numerically

Implies the use of a numerical code for representation.

FAQs

How can I use "identified by number" in a sentence?

Use "identified by number" to specify that something is recognized or referred to using a numerical designation. For example, "Participants in the study were identified by number to protect their privacy."

What is a good alternative to "identified by number"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "labeled with a number", "designated numerically", or "numbered for identification".

Is it better to say "identified by a number" or "identified by number"?

Both "identified by a number" and "identified by number" are grammatically correct. However, "identified by number" is more concise and commonly used, especially in technical or formal writing where a specific number isn't emphasized.

In what contexts is "identified by number" commonly used?

"Identified by number" is frequently used in scientific research, formal documentation, and organizational systems where items or individuals need to be tracked or referenced without revealing personal information. It's often found in academia, science, and news reporting.