original number

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "original number" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a number that is the initial or primary value before any changes or modifications have been made. Example: "To solve the equation, we need to identify the original number before any operations were applied."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Original number EG4380.

Harvard University

The answer is the original number.

The New York Times

"It is perhaps half the original number.

The New Yorker

The quotient will be one-fourth the original number.

Britannica

(ii) Original number of refills authorized on original prescription.

Cornell University

Would the surveyors mind just signing for the lower, original number?

The New Yorker

The original number of array sensors is ~4200 (spacing is ~100 m).

Nature

So they just dial the original number from NTT because that's what they've gotten used to.

Harvard Business Review

After subtracting the original number x, you have 5 .4. There's no magic here.

The New York Times

The original number of copies of this work is unknown; some 40 are still in existence.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Some 400 hôtels particuliers remain scattered throughout Paris today, about half the original number.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing modifications or changes to a numerical value, clearly state the "original number" to provide a clear reference point for comparison.

Common error

Avoid ambiguity by explicitly distinguishing between the "original number" and any subsequent values. Use precise language to indicate which value you are referring to, especially when discussing changes or calculations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "original number" primarily functions as a noun phrase, acting as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence. It designates a specific numerical value before modifications or alterations. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Academia

24%

Science

24%

Less common in

Wiki

11%

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "original number" is a grammatically sound and versatile term used to denote an initial numerical value before any changes occur. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It appears frequently across diverse contexts, including News & Media, Academia, and Science, demonstrating its broad applicability. When using this phrase, ensure clear differentiation from any revised or modified numbers to avoid ambiguity. Alternative phrases like "initial quantity" or "starting value" can be used depending on the specific context. Understanding its usage and alternatives helps ensure precise and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

original figure

Direct synonym, replacing 'number' with 'figure'.

initial quantity

Focuses on the numerical aspect at the beginning.

initial count

Replaces 'number' with 'count', focusing on the act of counting.

starting value

Emphasizes the numerical value at the point of origin or beginning.

first number

Simplifies the expression to indicate the number that came first.

base number

Highlights the foundational or primary nature of the number.

source number

Implies the origin or root of the number.

initial amount

Similar to initial quantity, but can be used in non-numerical contexts as well.

preliminary figure

Indicates that the number is subject to change or revision.

prime number

Although technically a mathematical term, in some contexts, it can refer to the primary or core number.

FAQs

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

You can use "original number" to refer to a starting value that is later modified. For example: "The death toll has risen from the "original number" of seven as investigators examine the crash site."

What's a good alternative to "original number"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "initial quantity", "starting value", or "base number".

Is it correct to say "the number originally" instead of "original number"?

While "the number originally" isn't inherently incorrect, it's less common and can sound awkward. "Original number" is generally clearer and more concise.

When should I use "original number" versus "revised number"?

Use ""original number"" when referring to the initial value before any changes. Use "revised number" to refer to a value that has been updated or corrected from the original.