numbers of dots

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "numbers of dots" is not correct in standard written English.
It may be intended to refer to a quantity of dots, but the phrasing is awkward and unclear. Example: "The artwork features varying numbers of dots to create depth and texture."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

Staggering numbers of dots are connecting.

The New York Times - Arts

The numbers of dots on the dice — first red, then white — correspond to numbers on the cards.

The New York Times - Sports

Oblong numbers are the numbers of dots that can be placed in rows and columns in a rectangular array, each row containing one more dot than each column.

Encyclopedia Britannica

We made some photocopies of different numbers of dots equally spaced around circles, and asked the question: What kind of angles do you get when you connect different dots?

The New York Times

The dot or pebble diagrams of ancient mathematics used to convince one of elementary truths of number theory necessarily display particular numbers of dots, though the truths are general.

SEP

The posterior parietal cortex, responded to the dot patterns in an organized way: Small numbers of dots were represented in one area, whereas large numbers were represented in another, the results showed.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

The resolution is the number of dots per inch used to create the image.

The New York Times - Tech

Two players begin by drawing a number of dots in a circle.

The New York Times

Generally, the smaller the number of dots per inch, the lower the quality of the printed image.

The New York Times - Tech

Proof that the "Master" letters were meant for him remains hazy, but Habegger connects a convincing number of dots.

The New York Times - Books

They reduce complex social phenomena to a limited number of dots or shading on a cartographic representation of space.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to a count, use "number of dots" instead of the less precise "numbers of dots".

Common error

Avoid using "numbers of dots" when you intend to express a single count or quantity; instead, opt for the grammatically sound "number of dots".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "numbers of dots" functions as a noun phrase, aiming to quantify or refer to multiple instances of dot counts. However, Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically awkward, suggesting a preference for the singular form, "number of dots".

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "numbers of dots" is used to describe a count of dots, frequently appearing in scientific and news-related contexts. However, Ludwig AI highlights that it is grammatically awkward and suggests using "number of dots" instead. While understandable, opting for the singular form enhances clarity and grammatical correctness. Consider context and audience when choosing between the two, but prioritize "number of dots" for formal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

number of dots

Uses the singular "number" instead of the plural "numbers", indicating a count of dots as a single quantity.

quantity of dots

Replaces "numbers" with "quantity", emphasizing the amount of dots present.

dot count

A concise term referring to the total number of dots.

dot density

Refers to the concentration of dots within a given area.

number of points

Substitutes "dots" with "points", which are similar visual elements.

point count

A concise term referring to the total number of points.

amount of dots

Replaces "numbers" with "amount", indicating the total quantity of dots.

cluster of dots

Describes a group of dots that are close together.

aggregation of dots

Refers to a collection of dots gathered together.

pattern of dots

Emphasizes the arrangement and distribution of dots.

FAQs

What is the correct way to refer to a count of dots?

The grammatically preferred way to refer to a count of dots is "number of dots" instead of "numbers of dots". While the latter may be understood, it's not considered standard English.

When should I use "number of dots" versus other similar phrases?

Use "number of dots" when you want to specify the quantity of dots present. Alternatives like "dot density" refer to how closely packed the dots are, not simply how many there are.

Is "numbers of dots" considered grammatically correct?

According to Ludwig AI, the phrase "numbers of dots" is grammatically awkward and not considered standard written English. It is better to use "number of dots".

What can I say instead of "numbers of dots" to sound more natural?

To sound more natural, you can use phrases like "number of dots" or "quantity of dots". The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the count or the amount.