the largest number

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of a sentence "the largest number" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the greatest amount or quantity in a group of numbers. For example, "The largest number among this set of data is 35."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The largest number involve Hispanic residents.

The New York Times

By far the largest number were Australians.

The Economist

The largest number has fled to Bangladesh.

The Economist

The largest number of non-E.U.

The New York Times

"We employ the largest number of immigrants, the largest number of welfare-to-work people, the largest number of single mothers," says Wilhelm.

The New York Times - Magazine

AMP measures the largest number of host-pairs.

Stanford University

Turkey hosts the largest number of refugees in the world.

Cornell University

California and Massachusetts have the largest number of biotechnology companies.

Columbia University

The largest number of files came from Senator Durbin's office.

The New York Times

Turkey held the largest number at roughly 1.6 million.

The Guardian - Opinion

The largest number of vacancies, 11, is in Essex County.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the largest number", ensure you specify the context or group from which the number is derived to avoid ambiguity. For instance, "the largest number of students in the class" is more specific than just "the largest number".

Common error

Avoid using "the largest number" without specifying what you are referring to. For example, instead of saying "The report showed the largest number", clarify with "The report showed the largest number of unemployed citizens".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the largest number" functions primarily as a determiner phrase identifying the maximum quantity within a defined group or set. Ludwig highlights numerous instances where it acts as a subject complement or modifies a noun, indicating the greatest numerical value.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

32%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the largest number" is a versatile phrase used to denote the greatest quantity within a given context. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and frequently appears across diverse sources such as news, academia, and scientific publications. When employing this phrase, clarity is key; always specify the reference group to ensure your audience understands what "the largest number" refers to. Alternatives like "the greatest quantity" or "the maximum amount" can add nuance, but the core function remains: highlighting the peak value. Therefore, this phrase is not only common but also highly practical for precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the greatest quantity

Emphasizes the amount rather than the numerical value.

the highest count

Focuses on the act of counting and reaching the maximum value.

the maximum amount

Highlights the upper limit of a measurable quantity.

the most significant figure

Implies importance or relevance in addition to size.

the peak number

Suggests a point of culmination or highest achievement.

the superior quantity

Indicates that the amount in question has prevailed over all others.

the bulk number

Highlights the magnitude of a high quantity.

the predominant number

Expresses that the amount in question is the most powerful.

the largest quantity observed

Focuses on how the maximum value came to be.

the ultimate number

Highlights that the amount in question is the greatest that ever will be.

FAQs

How can I use "the largest number" in a sentence?

Use "the largest number" to indicate the greatest quantity or amount within a specific context. For instance, "the largest number of students in the school attended the event".

What's a more formal way to say "the largest number"?

In formal contexts, you might use phrases like "the greatest quantity", "the maximum amount", or "the most significant figure".

Is it always necessary to specify the context when using "the largest number"?

Yes, specifying the context is crucial for clarity. Without it, the phrase can be vague. For example, instead of saying "It was the largest number", specify "It was "the largest number of votes" ever recorded".

What can I say instead of "the largest number" when comparing two quantities?

When comparing two quantities, you can use phrases like "the greater number", "the majority", or "the higher amount".