previous number

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "previous number" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a number that was mentioned or used earlier in a text or conversation. Example: "To solve this equation, you need to refer back to the previous number provided in the calculations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Since the ice bucket challenge, ALSA has received almost 10 times the previous number of grant applications.

The Guardian

The result was that 82, more than any previous number on the current circuit, qualified for the concluding 36 holes.

The New York Times

The Ryan Reynolds-led comic book romp, a surprise smash after strong reviews, overtook previous number one The Matrix Reloaded this weekend.

The Guardian - Film

The Candidacy of Popular Unity (CUP, left) also tripled their previous number of seats and together with them we have an absolute majority in Catalonia's parliament.

The Guardian - Opinion

To be honest, having become instantly hooked on the calypso sways of Akiine's previous number Sunglassey, we knew it would be like this.

The Guardian - Music

His first attempt, in 1997, under the banner of the Emerald Rainbow Islands Dream Ticket party, disappointingly brought 141 votes, many more than the lowest previous number.

The Guardian - Music

That makes it three times faster than the previous number one, Tianhe-2 also Tianhe-2 alsoich achieves speeds ofrom quadrillion China whichs per second.

MIT Technology Review

She sings it alone on stage in her bare feet, hair wet from a previous number, and seems to know, as the crowd does too, that neither she nor the moment can be improved on.

The Guardian - Music

In the United States, earnings were not encouraging and gross domestic product was forecast to be lower than the previous number, Mr. Orlando added.

The New York Times

The "bumbarrel", as it was once affectionately known, was the 10th-commonest bird seen in gardens across Britain in 2009, with almost double the previous number recorded.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

For instance, were there substantial revisions to the previous numbers?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referencing a specific number previously mentioned, use "previous number" to ensure clarity and avoid ambiguity, especially in technical or mathematical contexts. Be certain that there can be no doubt about which number you are referring to.

Common error

Avoid using "previous number" if there are multiple numbers mentioned in the preceding context, as it can lead to confusion. In such cases, rephrase to specifically identify which number you are referring to.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "previous number" functions as a noun phrase or adjectival phrase modifying an implicit noun, indicating a number that has been mentioned or considered before. Ludwig AI confirms that it is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

24%

News & Media

48%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "previous number" is a grammatically sound and frequently used term to reference a numerical value already introduced within a discussion or document. According to Ludwig AI, it is correct and commonly used in written English. Its versatility makes it suitable for diverse contexts, ranging from formal reports to casual explanations. While synonyms like "prior number" or "earlier number" exist, "previous number" remains a clear and effective choice, provided the context sufficiently identifies the intended numerical value to the reader.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

preceding number

Replaces "previous" with "preceding", maintaining the same meaning of something coming before.

earlier number

Substitutes "previous" with "earlier", emphasizing the temporal aspect of the number.

former number

Uses "former" instead of "previous", indicating a number that existed before the current one.

prior number

Replaces "previous" with "prior", highlighting the number's precedence in a sequence.

number before

Uses a more descriptive phrase to indicate the number that comes before the current one.

number immediately preceding

Adds specificity by stating that the number comes directly before the current one.

penultimate number

Describes the number before the last in a known sequence. This works only when describing a sequence with a defined end.

antecedent number

A more formal way of saying the number that precedes another.

number in the prior position

Specifies the number's position relative to the current number.

immediately preceding numerical value

A very formal way of expressing the concept that a numerical value comes immediately before the current numerical value.

FAQs

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

You can use "previous number" to refer to a number that has already been mentioned or used in a calculation. For example, "Refer to the previous number in the sequence to solve the equation."

What is a synonym for "previous number"?

Synonyms for "previous number" include "preceding number", "earlier number", or "prior number". The best choice depends on the context.

Is it correct to say "the number previous" instead of "previous number"?

While understandable, "previous number" is the more common and grammatically standard phrasing. "The number previous" may sound awkward or less natural to native English speakers.

When should I use "previous number" versus other similar phrases?

Use "previous number" when you need to specifically refer to a numerical value that has already been established. For general references to earlier items, consider alternatives like "earlier item" or "prior entry", depending on the specific context.