the same number of

USAGE SUMMARY

"the same number of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to compare two items and suggest that they have the same quantity. For example, "They each had the same number of points."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They have the same number of digits.

The New York Times - Tech

Saunders has eight points from the same number of matches.

The Guardian - Sport

The two groups consumed about the same number of calories.

The New York Times

Of course, the same number of kids keep showing up.

The Guardian - Opinion

"So we would rather keep the same number of seats.

The New York Times

"We have roughly the same number of club members.

The Guardian - Sport

Kenny has won the same number of golds as Hoy.

The Guardian - Sport

It took the same number of aides to diaper her.

The New York Times

They get the same number of possessions as we do.

The New Yorker

The program has about the same number of master's students.

The New York Times

They each caught the same number of scallops.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing groups or sets, use "the same number of" to clearly indicate that the quantities are equal. Ensure your comparison is logical and relevant to your argument or explanation.

Common error

Avoid using "the same number of" when you intend to convey approximate similarity rather than exact equality. In such cases, consider alternatives like "a similar number of" or "approximately the same number of" to better reflect the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the same number of" functions as a determiner phrase. It typically modifies a noun, specifying that the quantity or count of that noun is identical in two or more instances. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

45%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the same number of" is a versatile phrase used to indicate that two or more entities have an identical quantity or count. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across diverse contexts, particularly in news, scientific, and formal business settings. When using this phrase, ensure you're conveying exact equality rather than approximation. Consider alternatives like "an equal quantity of" or "a matching amount of" for variety, but reserve "the same number of" for instances where precise numerical equivalence is intended.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an identical quantity of

Highlights that the amounts are exactly the same, leaving no room for variation.

an equal quantity of

Emphasizes that the amounts or quantities being compared are equal.

a matching amount of

Highlights that the amounts are in agreement or correspond to each other.

an equivalent number of

Focuses on the equivalence in numerical value or count.

the equivalent of

Highlights that something is functionally or numerically equal to something else.

a corresponding quantity of

Suggests a direct relationship or correspondence between the quantities.

as many as

A more concise way to express that one quantity is equal to another.

a parallel number of

Suggests a parallel or analogous count or quantity.

a comparable quantity of

Implies that the amounts are similar enough to be compared directly.

a similar quantity of

Indicates that the amounts are nearly the same, though not necessarily perfectly equal.

FAQs

How do I use "the same number of" in a sentence?

Use "the same number of" to indicate that two or more groups have an equal quantity of something. For example, "Both teams had the same number of players on the field."

What can I say instead of "the same number of"?

You can use alternatives like "an equal quantity of", "a matching amount of", or "an equivalent number of" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "the same number of" or "an equal number of"?

Both "the same number of" and "an equal number of" are grammatically correct and can often be used interchangeably. However, "the same number of" implies a specific previous reference, while "an equal number of" refers to general equality.

What's the difference between "the same number of" and "a similar number of"?

"The same number of" indicates exact equality, whereas "a similar number of" suggests approximation. Use "the same number of" only when the quantities are identical; otherwise, opt for "a similar number of" to convey that they are roughly equal but not necessarily exact.