the same number

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the same number" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to a specific number which has been previously stated or is otherwise known. For example, "The first group contained 10 people, and the second group contained the same number."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And the same number got on.

The New York Times

It's around the same number this year.

The New York Times

That's the same number here, 81percentt.

Yale University

"He always used the same number".

The Guardian

The same number said that they might.

The New York Times - Tech

They have the same number of digits.

The New York Times - Tech

Obama would have the same number.

The New Yorker

Ohio has almost the same number.

The Washington Post

Call the same number for more information.

The New York Times

Women's teams are allowed the same number.

The New York Times - Sports

All files must have the same number of rows.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the same number" to clearly indicate that two or more quantities are equal, avoiding ambiguity. For example, "Group A had 25 participants, and Group B had "the same number".

Common error

Avoid using "the same number" when referring to entities that are similar but not numerically identical. For example, instead of saying 'They faced "the same number" of challenges', consider 'They faced similar challenges' if the exact number is not the focus.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the same number" functions as a determiner phrase, specifying that a quantity is identical to one previously mentioned or understood. It serves to establish a clear equivalence between two or more numerical values. According to Ludwig AI, this is a correct expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Academia

24%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the same number" is a grammatically correct and widely used phrase for indicating numerical equivalence across various contexts. As affirmed by Ludwig AI, it's a clear and effective way to express that two or more quantities are identical. Its prevalence in sources like The New York Times and academic publications underscores its versatility. To enhance your writing, remember to use "the same number" when precision is key and avoid it in contexts where only similarity is implied. Consider alternatives like "an equal quantity" or "the equivalent amount" for nuanced expressions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the same quantity

Synonymous emphasizing equivalent measure.

the identical quantity

Stresses that the quantity is exactly alike with no difference.

an equal quantity

Emphasizes that the amount or quantity is identical.

the duplicate figure

Highlights that the figures are exact copies or repetitions.

a matching figure

Highlights that the numbers correspond or align with each other.

the equivalent amount

Focuses on the equivalence in measure or sum.

a corresponding value

Suggests a relationship where values are in direct correspondence.

a like amount

A more concise way of expressing that the amounts are similar.

a parallel amount

Indicates that the amounts are similar or analogous.

a uniform amount

Suggests that the amounts are consistent or constant across different instances.

FAQs

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

Use "the same number" to show that two or more things have an equal quantity. For instance, "There were 15 apples in the basket, and I picked "the same number" from the tree."

What are some alternatives to using "the same number"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "an equal quantity", "a matching figure", or "the equivalent amount".

Is it grammatically correct to say "equal number" instead of "the same number"?

While "equal number" is generally understandable, "the same number" is often clearer and more direct when referring to a specific quantity previously mentioned or known. "Equal number" is more commonly used to emphasize that two quantities are equivalent in value.

What is the difference between using "the same number" and "an equivalent number"?

"The same number" implies an exact numerical match, whereas "an equivalent number" suggests that the quantities are equal in value or effect, but not necessarily identical. For example, "He scored "the same number" of points in both games" means the scores were identical, but "He used an equivalent number of resources" means the amount of resources used had a similar impact.