serial number

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "serial number" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a unique identifying number or code assigned to a product or device, such as an electronics device, a car, or an appliance. For example: "I need to register my new laptop, can you please provide me with the serial number?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There's a unique serial number.

The New York Times - Tech

The serial number is 8467.

The Guardian - Music

It doesn't have a serial number.

The New York Times

(The number was his serial number).

The New York Times

My first serial number was 5,250.

The New York Times - Tech

The serial number had been filed off.

The New Yorker

(2) double serial number replaces time stamp.

Computer Standards & Interfaces

Stamped, circled serial number and wrote on top front".

The New York Times - Magazine

When I asked, I got name, rank and serial number.

The New York Times - Magazine

But also any other street furniture with a serial number.

The Guardian

"Have you got the serial number?" he asked.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "serial number" consistently to refer to the unique identifier assigned to an item to avoid confusion.

Common error

Avoid using "serial number" interchangeably with terms like 'model number' or 'part number'. The "serial number" is unique to a specific item, while others identify a category or type.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "serial number" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as a compound noun that identifies a unique identifier assigned to a specific item. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its role in identifying products, tracking stolen items, and verifying authenticity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "serial number" is a common and grammatically sound noun phrase used to denote a unique identifier assigned to a specific item. As Ludwig AI validates, its usage spans various contexts, from formal documentation to everyday conversation. It's a neutral term, widely found across news outlets, wikis, and scientific publications. Understanding its purpose and proper usage is crucial for accurate communication in technical and general contexts alike. Ludwig's examples highlight the phrase's practical application in identifying, tracking, and managing individual items, making it an indispensable term in modern society.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

identification number

Replaces "serial" with "identification", emphasizing the purpose of the number.

unique identifier

Emphasizes the uniqueness of the number or code.

product code

Substitutes "serial number" with a code assigned to a specific product.

sequence number

Highlights the sequential nature of the numbering system.

batch number

Refers to a number assigned to a specific batch or production run.

model number

Specifies the number assigned to a particular model of a product.

registration number

Focuses on the number used for registration purposes.

tracking number

Emphasizes the use of the number for tracking purposes.

control number

Highlights the use of the number for control or management purposes.

article number

Used to refer to any scannable product in distribution and sales

FAQs

How do I use "serial number" in a sentence?

You can use "serial number" to refer to the unique identification code of an item. For example, "I need the serial number to register my new software" or "The police used the serial number to trace the stolen item".

What can I say instead of "serial number"?

You can use alternatives like "identification number", "product code", or "unique identifier" depending on the context.

Where can I find the "serial number" on my device?

The "serial number" is usually located on a sticker on the device, in the device's settings menu, or on the original packaging. Refer to your device's manual for specific instructions.

Why is it important to keep a record of my device's "serial number"?

Having a record of your device's "serial number" can be helpful for warranty claims, insurance purposes, and identifying your device if it is lost or stolen. You may also be asked for the serial number by customer service.