lowest in number

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lowest in number" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a quantity that is the smallest or least among a group of items or categories. Example: "Among all the participants, the team with the lowest in number was able to complete the task efficiently."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

WD40 repeat containing F-box genes were lowest in number as also observed in rice [ 52] and Arabidopsis [ 50].

BMC Genomics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

"The police are now well-resourced for CSE [child sexual exploitation] and well trained, though prosecutions remain low in number".

The Guardian

Grieving disciples of Thatcherism were nonetheless low in number among the throng of curious office workers and tourists.

Independent

He added: "Nobody doubts there are individuals and groups that are advocating the use of antistate violence, although these people seem to be very low in number and don't constitute major threats to China's state security.

The New York Times

SLGT is slight risk, meaning that well organized severe thunderstorms are expected, but low in number or coverage.

Wikipedia

Even with this more sensitive assay, we could only barely detect small RNAs, indicating that they are very low in number.

Plosone

BIRNLex annotations were low in number owing to its small scope and limited UMLS mappings.

Bioinformatics

Students living in other family structures were low in number (n = 15) and were left out of analyses.

BMC Medical Research Methodology

The available psychiatrists are disproportionately low in number and reside mainly in the capital city of the country.

Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health

Despite miRNAs being important disease factors, miRNA disease associations remain low in number and of variable reliability.

Bioinformatics

The ParB-GFP foci generally stayed low in number but instead appeared increasingly bright, suggesting that multiple oriC regions are present but remain in close proximity.

Current Biology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "lowest in number", ensure you are comparing it to a defined set or group. The context should make it clear what is being compared.

Common error

Avoid using "lowest in number" without a clear point of comparison. Always specify what group or category the item is lowest within to prevent ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lowest in number" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun by indicating its relative quantity compared to others in a set. Ludwig supports this usage with examples, confirming its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

40%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lowest in number" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to describe a quantity that is the smallest compared to others in a defined set. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely employed across diverse contexts, from science and news media to general discussions. When using this phrase, ensure the point of comparison is clear to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "fewest in quantity" or "smallest in number" may be used depending on the specific context, with "fewest in number" being more suitable for countable items. Remember that while "lowest in number" is versatile, clear context is crucial for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fewest in quantity

This alternative emphasizes a smaller amount or count, focusing on the total quantity.

smallest in number

This alternative focuses on the size of the group or set being described.

least numerous

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes the count or quantity.

in short supply

This alternative describes a lack or deficiency in availability.

scarce in quantity

This alternative highlights the limited availability of something.

limited in volume

This alternative focuses on the restriction in the amount or capacity.

reduced in frequency

This alternative highlights the diminished occurrence of something.

at a minimum

This alternative expresses the state of being at the smallest possible quantity.

in decline

This alternative suggests a decreasing trend or reduction in numbers.

dwindling in count

This alternative implies a gradual reduction in the number or amount.

FAQs

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

You can use "lowest in number" to describe something that is the smallest in quantity compared to others. For example: "The team with the fewest resources was the "lowest in number" among the participants".

What's a good alternative to "lowest in number"?

Alternatives include "fewest in quantity", "smallest in number", or "least numerous", depending on the specific context.

Which is more appropriate, "lowest in number" or "fewest in number"?

Both "lowest in number" and "fewest in number" can be correct, but "fewest in number" might be preferred when referring to countable items. Use "lowest in number" for a general assessment of quantity.

How does "lowest in number" compare to "in short supply"?

"Lowest in number" specifically indicates a reduced quantity within a set, while "in short supply" implies a general scarcity or lack of availability, not necessarily in comparison to a set.