low number

USAGE SUMMARY

'low number' is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a quantity that is small compared to some other number or other reference standard. For example: "The turnout for the event was surprisingly low, only a few hundred people showed up despite an expected number in the thousands."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

That is a scary low number.

The New York Times

A low number means the opposite.

The New York Times - Magazine

It is a very low number".

The New Yorker

"I didn't have to try and shoot a low number".

The New York Times - Sports

That may account for the low number of complaints.

The New York Times

One refugee advocate called it "an embarrassingly low number".

The New Yorker

The death rate, on average, was the same low number.

The New York Times

3,000 people – a low number – have lost power.

The Guardian

(That is a low number, given Google's huge audience).

The New York Times

But MetLife's low number is partly an illusion.

The Economist

"Which I think is a surprisingly low number.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "low number", provide context or comparison to illustrate why the number is considered low. For example, "The attendance was a "low number" compared to previous years."

Common error

Avoid assuming a "low number" is always negative without considering the context. A "low number" of errors, for example, is a positive outcome.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "low number" functions as a noun phrase, where "low" modifies the noun "number". According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and widely used. It serves to describe a quantity that is less than what is considered average, expected, or normal.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Encyclopedias

11%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "low number" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe a quantity that is less than what is expected or considered average. Ludwig AI validates its proper usage and broad applicability. It appears most frequently in news and media, but also in encyclopedias and scientific contexts. While the phrase itself is neutral, its implications depend on the specific context, as a "low number" can be either positive or negative. When writing, provide adequate context when using "low number" to avoid misinterpretations. Consider alternatives like "small quantity" or "limited amount" for slightly different shades of meaning. Overall, the phrase is a versatile and widely understood way to convey information about quantity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Small quantity

Replaces "number" with the more general term "quantity", emphasizing the amount rather than a specific count.

Limited amount

Focuses on the restriction or scarcity of the amount, rather than just its size.

Reduced figure

Implies a decrease from a previous or expected value, highlighting the change.

Minimal count

Emphasizes the smallness of the count, suggesting it is as low as possible.

Scant few

A more informal expression emphasizing the inadequacy or insufficiency of the quantity.

Meager sum

Implies the amount is not only small but also insufficient or inadequate for a particular purpose.

Tiny fraction

Highlights that the amount represents a very small portion of a larger whole.

Depleted supply

Suggests that the quantity has been reduced, often due to usage or consumption.

Sparse distribution

Focuses on the scattered and infrequent nature of the quantity, rather than its overall size.

Modest amount

Indicates the quantity is neither large nor excessive, often implying a sense of humility or restraint.

FAQs

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

You can use "low number" to describe a quantity that is less than average or expected. For example, "The company reported a "low number" of customer complaints this quarter.".

What can I say instead of "low number"?

You can use alternatives like "small quantity", "limited amount", or "reduced figure" depending on the context.

Is it always negative to have a "low number"?

No, having a "low number" is not always negative. For example, a "low number" of errors or accidents is desirable. It depends on what is being counted.

What's the difference between "low number" and "small number"?

While "low number" and "small number" are often interchangeable, "low number" often implies a comparison to a standard or expectation, whereas "small number" simply describes the quantity.