the number to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the number to" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to a specific number associated with a person, place, or thing, often in the context of contact information. Example: "Please call the number to reach customer service." Alternative expressions include "the contact number for" and "the phone number to."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The number to call is 999-3838.

The New Yorker

The jury reduced the number to 100.

The New York Times

Once, he boosted the number to five.

The New Yorker

Today, they raised the number to 530.

The New York Times

The number to celebrate was 89.

The New York Times

(The number to call for directions is [phone]).

The New York Times

For information, the number to call is 238-4779.

The New York Times

The number to call in New York City is 311.

The New York Times

The park expects the number to rise in 2016.

The Guardian

The number to call for information is 251-6222.

The New York Times

The number to call for reservations is 631-1000.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the number to", ensure it's followed by a clear verb indicating the action to be performed with that number, such as "call", "text", or "reference".

Common error

Avoid phrases like "the number to something" without specifying the intended action. Instead, clarify with "the number to call for assistance" or "the number to text in case of emergency".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the number to" functions as a determiner phrase specifying a numerical value that is subsequently used for a particular action. As indicated by Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly employed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

6%

Social Media

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the number to" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to indicate a number intended for a specific purpose. According to Ludwig AI, its widespread use across various contexts, including news, wikis, and scientific publications, highlights its general applicability. While primarily neutral in tone, ensuring clarity in specifying the action related to the number is crucial. The phrase is deemed "Very common" due to its high frequency of use across numerous authoritative sources, as evidenced by Ludwig's extensive examples.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the telephone number for

Replaces "number to" with a more specific term for phone contacts.

the contact details for

Substitutes "number" with "contact details", broadening the scope to include other forms of contact.

the digits needed to

Replaces "number" with "digits", emphasizing the sequence of numbers required.

the figures necessary for

Uses "figures" instead of "number" to indicate numerical values for a specific action.

the code required for

Changes "number" to "code", suitable when referring to access or identification codes.

the sequence to

Focuses on the order of digits rather than the value itself.

the identifier for

Replaces "number" with "identifier", useful for any type of identifying number.

the key to

Uses "key" as a metaphor for the number needed to access something.

the combination to

Suitable when referring to a series of numbers used in combination, like a safe combination.

the reference number for

Specifically indicates the number serves as a reference point or identifier.

FAQs

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

Use "the number to" followed by a verb that specifies what the number is used for. For example, "the number to call for reservations is 631-1000".

What can I say instead of "the number to" when referring to a phone number?

You can use alternatives like "the telephone number for", "the contact details for", or simply "the phone number".

Is it correct to say "the number to contact" instead of "the number to call"?

While both are understandable, "the number to call" is more direct and common. "The number to contact" is acceptable but might sound slightly more formal.

What's the difference between "the number to call" and "the phone number for"?

Both phrases convey the same meaning, but "the number to call" focuses on the action (calling), while "the phone number for" simply provides identification. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the action or just provide the information.