the smallest number

USAGE SUMMARY

"the smallest number" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is often used to compare different quantities or to indicate the minimum value in a set. Here are a few examples: 1. "The smallest number of items you can purchase is three." 2. "Out of all the students, he had the smallest number of absences." 3. "What is the smallest number you can think of?" 4. "The phone company offers a plan for the smallest number of minutes that I need." 5. "When ranking the top ten teams, they listed the smallest number first."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A major unknown is the smallest number of spores it takes to infect a human.

The New York Times

The smallest number would be 32, and there are always two to three teachers".

The Guardian - Books

Britain has the smallest number of such retail sites in Europe.

The Guardian - Business

The smallest number of delegates come from Latin America and Africa.

The Guardian - Business

The smallest number of attacks occurred in 2006 when the database recorded six.

The Guardian

And that increases the probability of detecting even the smallest number of molecules in the sample.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The estimates for ESCOs indicate the smallest number of jobs by far.

University of California, Berkeley

What is really the smallest number of genes it takes to run a simple cellular machinery?

Cornell University

October 22nd 1945 – The smallest number of graduates have commencement held in President Harold Dodds office.

Princeton University

But that was also the smallest number of recalls resulting from agency action since 2010.

The New York Times

The United States executed 35 inmates in 2014, the smallest number in two decades.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing data sets, use "the smallest number" to clearly identify the minimum value within those sets. This helps in drawing accurate conclusions and making informed decisions.

Common error

Avoid using "the smallest number" when referring to qualities or attributes that are not quantifiable. For instance, instead of saying 'He showed the smallest number of effort', consider 'He showed the least amount of effort' or 'He showed minimal effort'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the smallest number" functions as a determiner phrase modifying a noun. It serves to identify the minimum quantity or amount within a given context. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage across various domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

26%

Science

25%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Wiki

13%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the smallest number" is a commonly used and grammatically sound phrase that identifies the minimum quantity or amount within a given context. Ludwig AI confirms its frequent usage across various domains like News & Media, Science, and Academia. Its neutral register makes it suitable for both formal and informal communications. Alternatives such as "the minimum quantity" or "the fewest amount" can be used depending on the specific nuance required. When using this phrase, ensure it refers to quantifiable attributes and is appropriate for the context. The high frequency and consistent usage of "the smallest number" across authoritative sources affirm its validity and importance in English writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the minimum quantity

Focuses on the quantity being at its lowest.

the fewest amount

Emphasizes a count or amount that is less than others.

the least quantity

Highlights the minimal amount of something.

the lowest figure

Used in contexts where numbers represent statistical data.

the slightest number

Implies an almost negligible or insignificant number.

the minimal count

Stresses a count that is as low as possible.

the base level

Refers to a foundational or starting quantity.

the rock bottom amount

Indicates the absolute lowest possible amount, typically in informal contexts.

the most limited number

Highlights the restriction or limitation on the number.

the absolute minimum

Emphasizes the number cannot be any lower.

FAQs

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

You can use "the smallest number" to indicate the minimum quantity, such as: "The smallest number of participants required for the study is ten."

What's an alternative to saying "the smallest number"?

Alternatives include "the minimum quantity", "the fewest amount", or "the least quantity", depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "the smallest number"?

It is appropriate when you need to specify the lowest quantity in a set or range of numbers. For example, "The company aims to reduce its carbon footprint to the smallest number possible."

How does "the smallest number" differ from "the lowest number"?

"The smallest number" and "the lowest number" are often interchangeable. However, "the smallest number" is generally used when referring to a specific count or amount, while "the lowest number" might be used in contexts where values are ranked or ordered.