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Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
indicate the number
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "indicate the number" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when asking someone to specify or show a particular quantity or figure. Example: "Please indicate the number of participants attending the event."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
News & Media
Academia
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
59 human-written examples
But statistics from college campuses indicate the number is significant.
News & Media
Digits indicate the number of spectra from isoform-specific peptides.
Science & Research
Numbers in brackets indicate the number of mosquitoes tested.
Science & Research
Numbers below diets indicate the number of feasible scenarios.
Science & Research
Numbers in parentheses indicate the number of modified nucleotides.
Science & Research
Recent reports indicate the number has grown to nearly a third of the Legislature.
News & Media
Sample sizes (n) indicate the number of frames in which each ant was manually identified.
Science & Research
Numbers in parentheses indicate the number of antibodies in each category.
Science & Research
Numbers and percentages indicate the number of Bsal-positive/total number of urodeles tested.
Science & Research
Lines to plant species indicate the number of fungal genera in association with each plant species.
Science & Research
Numbers in parentheses indicate the number of arteries in each group.
Science & Research
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Consider your audience: In formal contexts, more precise language like "specify the quantity" may be preferable. In informal contexts, "show the figure" is good.
Common error
Avoid using "indicate the number" without a clear reference. Always specify what the number refers to (e.g., "Indicate the number of participants" rather than just "Indicate the number").
Source & Trust
80%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "indicate the number" primarily functions as a directive, often used in requests or instructions. It prompts the receiver to specify or reveal a certain numerical value. Ludwig confirms the phrase is correct.
Frequent in
Science
35%
News & Media
25%
Academia
20%
Less common in
Encyclopedias
5%
Wiki
5%
Formal & Business
10%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "indicate the number" is a versatile phrase used to request the specification or revelation of a numerical value. It is grammatically correct and frequently encountered across various domains, including science, news, and academia. While Ludwig confirms the phrase's validity, remember to provide context for what the number represents to avoid vagueness. Consider synonyms like "specify the quantity" or "show the figure" to tailor your language to the formality of the setting. By understanding these nuances, you can effectively use "indicate the number" in your writing and communication.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
specify the quantity
Focuses on the amount rather than just the number.
show the figure
Replaces "number" with "figure", implying a numerical representation.
state the amount
Emphasizes the declaration of a quantity.
designate the value
Uses a more formal term, "designate", and "value" to refer to the number.
reveal the count
Employs "reveal" to suggest uncovering the number, and "count" as a synonym.
disclose the total
Highlights the act of making a total amount known.
report the sum
Similar to disclose the total, focuses on reporting a sum.
express the numerical value
More verbose, emphasizing the expression of a numerical amount.
represent the quantity numerically
Focuses on representing a quantity in a numerical format.
enumerate the items
Suggests listing items with corresponding numbers.
FAQs
How can I use "indicate the number" in a sentence?
You can use "indicate the number" to request someone to specify a particular quantity. For example, "Please "indicate the number" of attendees for the event".
What can I say instead of "indicate the number"?
You can use alternatives like "specify the quantity", "show the figure", or "state the amount" depending on the context.
Is it correct to say "indicated the number"?
Yes, "indicated the number" is the past tense form of "indicate the number". For example, "The report "indicated the number" of errors found".
What is the difference between "indicate the number" and "identify the number"?
"Indicate the number" means to show or specify the numerical value. "Identify the number" means to recognize and point out a particular number from a set of numbers.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
80%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested