this little number

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this little number" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to refer to something that is small or insignificant. For example, "This little number should be easy to solve."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

If you did this little number with everyone, was it genuine?

The New Yorker

Called the 620S, this little number is basically a 620R with the wick turned down.

Independent

But what, dare we ponder, would Yeats have made of this little number?

Independent

The miniature electrical vehicles craze has now produced this little number: a tiny folding scooter made by Crazyfire.

The Guardian - Tech

"You just need a bit of fake tan," she says kindly, though I suspect a fake body is what I need to carry off this little number.

The Guardian - Travel

I still reckon this little number could turn a few heads down Boujis, but then I am the kind of person who bought this.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

"Or this beautiful little number - all the rage in the fashionable chicken coops of Paris".

The Guardian - Film

And then there's this, um, little number suggested by RebeccaSubbiah, celebrating the glory of Melbourne in song (and unadulterated lashings of Glee-style cheese).

The Guardian - Travel

Lifting a baby blue miniskirt and matching tank top from a garment bag, Gail Romiti said: "I've got this cute little number.

The New York Times

This tasty little number is teamed with a lightweight helmet and special jumping boots, which look like a cross between boxing trainers and clown shoes.

The Guardian - Travel

Nails bauble £5, topshop.com For the life and soul of the party: this glittery little number will provide the perfect ammo for multiple seasonal festivities.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this little number" to add a touch of informality or endearment when referring to an object, song, or creation. It can soften the tone and make the content more approachable.

Common error

Avoid using "this little number" too frequently, as it can become repetitive and diminish its impact. Use it sparingly to maintain its charm and avoid sounding cliché.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this little number" functions as a determiner phrase. It typically acts as a pre-modifier to a noun, specifying and often endearing the object or idea it precedes. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase can suggest something small or insignificant.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

2%

Less common in

Social Media

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "this little number" is a common and informal way to refer to something specific, often with a touch of endearment or familiarity. As Ludwig AI points out, it's grammatically correct and widely used, though primarily in informal contexts such as News & Media. While versatile, it should be used sparingly and avoided in formal academic writing to maintain a professional tone. Alternatives like "this item" or "this piece" can be used in more formal settings. When used appropriately, "this little number" adds a friendly and approachable tone to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this item

More formal and neutral, lacking the informal or endearing tone.

this piece

Similar in usage, but more often used for physical objects or works of art.

this creation

Emphasizes the act of creation or design, adding a sense of intentionality.

this gadget

Specifically refers to a small, often technological device.

this contraption

Implies a complex or unusual device, often with a humorous connotation.

this thingamajig

Informal and vague, used when the speaker doesn't know or can't recall the name.

this article

Neutral, applicable to journalistic texts.

this specimen

Suggests a scientific or analytical context.

this arrangement

Focuses on the organization or setup of something.

this formulation

Commonly applies to a structured mix of elements or concept.

FAQs

How can I use "this little number" in a sentence?

You can use "this little number" to refer to a specific item, often with a sense of fondness or lightheartedness. For example, "Check out "this little number" I found at the flea market!" or "Have you heard "this little number" by the new band?"

What's a more formal alternative to "this little number"?

If you need a more formal tone, consider using alternatives like "this item", "this piece", or "this creation". These options lack the casual and endearing quality of "this little number" but are more appropriate in professional or academic contexts.

Is "this little number" suitable for academic writing?

Generally, no. "This little number" is considered informal and is best avoided in academic writing. Opt for more neutral and precise language, such as "this study", "this approach", or "this method".

Can "this little number" be used for people?

While technically possible, using "this little number" to refer to a person can sound condescending or objectifying. It's generally better to avoid using it in this way and instead use the person's name or a more respectful descriptor.