precise number

USAGE SUMMARY

"precise number" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to a specific, exact quantity. For example, "We need to determine the precise number of customers we can expect in the next quarter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Their precise number is unclear.

The New York Times

No precise number was available.

The New York Times

No one knows the precise number.

The New York Times - Science

Each model is then wound a precise number of times.

The New York Times

There's not enough data to give a precise number.

The Guardian

Because many are illegal migrants, the precise number is unknown.

The New York Times

The precise number of people affected is not known.

The New York Times - Science

Deaths are rare, and the precise number is not known.

The New York Times - Health

Well, first you have to marvel at the precise number.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Captain Perez offered a precise number and suggested a method.

The New York Times

Whatever the precise number, many factories are reeling.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "precise number", ensure that the context requires specificity and accuracy. Avoid using it when an approximation is sufficient.

Common error

Avoid using "precise number" when an approximate figure is acceptable. For example, instead of saying "the precise number of attendees was unavailable, but around 100 people were there", it's better to state "the exact attendance was not available, but approximately 100 people attended."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "precise number" functions as a noun phrase acting as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence. It refers to a specific quantity or amount that is exact and not approximate, consistent with examples found by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "precise number" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to indicate an exact quantity or amount. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts, ranging from news and media to academic and formal settings. While alternatives like "exact quantity" or "accurate count" exist, "precise number" maintains a neutral formality, making it widely applicable. When using this phrase, ensure it aligns with the context requiring specific and accurate data. Be mindful of overusing it when approximations are sufficient. The phrase's frequency and presence in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian underscore its reliability and widespread acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exact quantity

Replaces 'number' with 'quantity' emphasizing the amount.

exact figure

Substitutes 'number' with 'figure' maintaining the precision.

accurate count

Substitutes 'precise' with 'accurate' and 'number' with 'count', focusing on correctness in enumeration.

correct figure

Emphasizes the accuracy of the numerical value.

specific amount

Uses 'amount' instead of 'number', suitable for continuous quantities.

actual quantity

Uses 'actual' instead of 'precise' to emphasize the real amount.

defined figure

Replaces 'precise number' with a description that highlights clarity and definiteness.

specified amount

Highlights that the quantity has been clearly indicated.

certain quantity

Replaces precise with certain, implying a definite though not necessarily exact amount.

precise measurement

Focuses on the act of measuring to obtain the exact value.

FAQs

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

You can use "precise number" when you need to specify an exact quantity or amount, for example: "The "precise number" of votes needed to win the election is 270."

What are some alternatives to saying "precise number"?

Alternatives include "exact quantity", "accurate count", or "specific amount", depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "precise number" instead of "approximate number"?

"Precise number" is appropriate when you have an exact figure, while "approximate number" should be used when you have an estimate or a range.

What does it mean when someone says the "precise number" is unknown?

It means that the exact quantity is not available or has not been determined, and it could be due to various reasons like incomplete data or confidentiality.