number

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "number" is correct and usable in written English.
It is most commonly used as a noun to refer to an item in a set or series that can be identified by a mathematical value. For example, "I can only remember a few of the ten numbers on my credit card."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Waitlisted students are not assigned a number on the waitlist.

Johns Hopkins University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

They have a number of subscribers on the waitlist that they'll roll out to as soon as the new site is live.

Huffington Post

According to the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) and the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients (SRTR), in their 2009 OPTN/SRTR report (Table 1.3), between the years 1999 and 2008 the number of registrations on the waitlist for liver transplant in the United States at the end of each year ranged between 14,165 and 18,243.

Biomedical Optics Express

The number of Canadian and U.S. customers on the waitlist certainly number in the tens of thousands.

TechCrunch

Please be advised that the admissions committee has made a conscious decision to limit the number of applicants extended a place on the waitlist.

Duke University

There are 100,000 people on the waitlist, and a lower number of active users.

Forbes

A limited number of users from those who sign up on the waitlist here will be let in initially.

TechCrunch

Please register on the waitlist and show up on the first day of class to receive a permission number for enrollment.

Stanford University

While declining to provide hard numbers, last month he told us there were "tens of thousands" of users and just as many on the waitlist.

TechCrunch

There are a limited number of seats available to non-Dyson majors during pre-enrollment; if the seats have been filled, students should put themselves on the waitlist.

Cornell University

She has been on the waitlist for The League since February.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about statistics or data, use "number" to refer to countable items. For uncountable items, consider using "amount" or "quantity".

Common error

Avoid using "number" when referring to uncountable nouns like water or sand. Instead, use "amount" or "quantity" to maintain grammatical accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The word "number" primarily functions as a noun, referring to a quantity or value. As Ludwig AI explains, it denotes an item in a series identifiable by a mathematical value. The examples provided showcase its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Academia

35%

News & Media

35%

Science

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "number" is a versatile noun used to denote quantities or values. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across diverse contexts. It is prevalent in academic, news, and scientific domains, making it essential for clear and precise communication. When using "number", remember to differentiate its usage from "amount", which applies to uncountable nouns. By considering these nuances, writers can ensure accuracy and clarity in their expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

amount

Refers to a quantity, often used for uncountable nouns.

quantity

Similar to amount, indicating a total or aggregate.

figure

Implies a numerical value, often used in statistics or reports.

total

Represents the sum of individual items or values.

count

Indicates the act of enumeration or the result thereof.

sum

Denotes the result of addition.

aggregate

Refers to a combined total from multiple sources.

integer

Specifically refers to a whole number.

digit

A single numerical symbol.

fraction

Represents a part of a whole.

FAQs

How can I use "number" in a sentence?

You can use "number" as a noun to refer to a quantity or a value. For example, "The number of students increased this year."

What's the difference between "number" and "amount"?

"Number" refers to countable items, while "amount" is used for uncountable nouns. For example, "the number of cars" versus "the amount of water".

What can I say instead of "number"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "quantity", "amount", or "figure".

Is it correct to say "a big number of"?

Yes, it's grammatically correct, but you can also use phrases like "a large "amount" of" or "a significant "quantity" of" for variety.