number four

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "number four" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the fourth item in a list or sequence. Example: "In the list of my favorite movies, number four is 'Inception'."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Enter designer number four.

Independent

Number four in the bag.

Independent

Start with number four.

Yale University

World number four.

The Guardian - Business

Number four, the rule of law.

The New York Times

I'm baffled by number four.

The Guardian - Books

Number four: an increased use of woodwinds.

Yale University

Viking Fund Publications in Anthropology, number four.

University of California, Berkeley

Why is the number four so important?

The Guardian

Number four, that we're into S&M.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

What's the apartment number?" "Four," I whispered.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "number four" in formal writing, ensure it clearly refers to a specific item or position within a well-defined sequence. Avoid ambiguity by clearly establishing the context of the numbering.

Common error

Avoid using "number four" without a preceding "number one", "number two", and "number three". Ensure that the numbering sequence is complete and logical to maintain clarity for the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "number four" primarily functions as a noun phrase, specifically acting as a numerical identifier or ordinal indicator. As Ludwig AI suggests, it's widely used across various contexts to denote a specific position or item within a sequence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Academia

21%

Science

14%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "number four" is a grammatically sound and common way to indicate the fourth item in a sequence, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Its usage spans across diverse contexts, including news, academia, and science, making it a versatile choice for various writing styles. While generally neutral in register, consider the formality of your context. For a more formal tone, alternatives like "the fourth item" might be preferable. When employing "number four", ensure consistency in numbering and clarity in reference to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the number 4

Simply states the numerical value.

item number four

Similar to "the fourth item", but emphasizes the item's designation.

the fourth item

Highlights a specific entry within a collection.

the fourth one

Refers to a specific entity in a set, using "one" as a pronoun.

fourth on the list

Specifies a ranking or place on a list.

fourth in line

Specifies ordinal position within a sequence.

fourth position

Highlights the location or station within an ordered arrangement.

fourth place

Denotes a ranking or position in a competition.

the fourth instance

Highlights a specific case within a series of occurrences.

the numeral four

Refers to the symbol or glyph representing the number four.

FAQs

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

You can use "number four" to refer to the fourth item in a sequence, as in "number four on the list is my favorite."

What is an alternative to saying "number four"?

Alternatives include "the fourth item", "fourth in line", or simply "the fourth", depending on the context.

Is it ever incorrect to use "number four"?

While grammatically correct, using "number four" might be too informal for certain academic or professional contexts. Consider "the fourth point" or "the fourth consideration" for a more formal tone.

What is the difference between "number four" and "fourth"?

"Number four" explicitly includes the word "number", which can provide emphasis or clarity in certain situations. "Fourth" is a more concise ordinal indicator. Choose the phrasing that best suits the desired tone and clarity of your writing.