Used and loved by millions
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
minus number of
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "minus number of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in mathematical or statistical contexts to indicate a subtraction of a quantity from a total. Example: "The total score was calculated by taking the maximum points and subtracting the minus number of penalties incurred during the game."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
Wiki
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
27 human-written examples
Parametric inferences are conducted by reference to a Student's t distribution with nominal degrees of freedom (i.e., number of studies minus number of regression parameters) to account for uncertainty in the estimation of the between-study variance parameter.
Science & Research
Over the 100 times, we performed the procedure explained above, and we obtained the results presented in Table 8, calculated on the recall number (total number minus number of errors) of every remaining 30% selection of the stimulus set.
No. of countries Tax wedge Labour taxation 0.26 0.00 27 Net replacement rate of UB Unemployment benefits 0.12 0.06 27 ALMP spending (% GDP) ALMP 0.25 0.00 20 EPL indicator (regular contracts) EPL 0.10 0.14 21 Source: LABREF reform stance: number of reforms in "increasing" direction minus number of reforms in the "decreasing" direction.
Science
The number of autolysosomes per cell was calculated as total number minus number of autophagosomes.
Science
If not provided, we calculated interval cancer cases per 10,000 screen negative women (this being number of women screened minus number of screen detected cases).
Science
The PI corresponds to the mean of the [(number of flies in the OCT tube minus number of flies in the MCH tube)/total number of flies when OCT was paired with electric shock] and [(number of flies in the MCH tube minus number of flies in the OCT tube)/total number of flies when MCH was paired with electric shock].
Science
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
33 human-written examples
The rank of a partition is defined to be its largest part minus the number of its parts.
(again one minus the number of new parameters estimated).
Science
(one minus the number of new parameters estimated (the number of years)).
Science
The denominator for estimates of prevalence was the total population minus the number of people with type 1 diabetes.
Science
plus / minus 9 — Number of players spotted checking their Super Bowl squares.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "minus number of" in scientific writing, always define the variables clearly to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify what is being subtracted from what.
Common error
Avoid using "minus number of" without clearly defining what each number represents. For instance, don't just say "the result is x minus number of y"—specify what x and y stand for to maintain clarity.
Source & Trust
81%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "minus number of" functions primarily as a mathematical operator or prepositional phrase indicating subtraction. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used to express the reduction of a quantity from another. The examples provided show its use in calculating net differences, remaining amounts, or adjusted scores.
Frequent in
Science
83%
Wiki
8%
News & Media
8%
Less common in
Formal & Business
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Social Media
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "minus number of" serves as a clear indicator of subtraction, commonly employed in scientific and technical contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and appropriateness for expressing quantitative reductions. While versatile, it's essential to ensure clarity by explicitly defining the variables involved. For more formal or academic writing, alternatives such as "subtract the quantity of" may be preferred to enhance precision. Usage patterns show prevalence in scientific domains, with occasional appearances in wiki and news sources.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
less the number of
Replaces "minus" with "less", maintaining the overall meaning of subtraction.
subtract the quantity of
Uses a more formal tone by replacing "minus number" with "subtract the quantity".
the difference after deducting
Specifies "difference" as the result of deduction, adding clarity.
reduced by the amount of
Emphasizes the reduction aspect of subtraction.
excluding the count of
Focuses on excluding a particular count from the total.
the remainder after removing
Highlights what remains after removal.
take away the total of
Uses a more informal expression for subtracting a total.
excluding a value of
Centers around the concept of excluding a specific value.
without the total of
Indicates the absence of a specific total in the calculation.
diminished by a value of
Presents subtraction as diminishing the original value.
FAQs
How can I use "minus number of" in a sentence?
The phrase "minus number of" is used to indicate subtraction in a mathematical or statistical context. For example: "The adjusted score was the original score "less the number of" penalties incurred."
What is a more formal way to say "minus number of"?
A more formal way to express "minus number of" is to use phrases such as "subtract the quantity of" or "deduct the amount of". These alternatives are suitable for academic or professional writing.
Is it grammatically correct to use "minus number of" in formal writing?
Yes, using "minus number of" is grammatically correct. However, in formal writing, consider using more precise alternatives like "less the number of" or "subtract the quantity of" for enhanced clarity.
What's the difference between "minus number of" and "the difference after deducting"?
"Minus number of" indicates a subtraction operation, while "the difference after deducting" refers to the result of that subtraction. The first describes the process, while the second describes the outcome.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
81%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested