two numbers

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "two numbers" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a pair of numerical values in various contexts, such as mathematics, statistics, or data analysis. Example: "To solve the equation, you need to find two numbers that add up to ten."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Two dates — two numbers.

The New York Times

Another two numbers.

The Guardian

Sara Bareilles joins him on two numbers.

The New York Times - Arts

Two numbers exemplify what has changed since.

The New York Times - Sports

Each box is assigned two numbers.

The New York Times

Two numbers give Democrats the jitters.

The Economist

However, the two numbers are not comparable.

The Economist

Think of any two numbers.

The Guardian

Sally: Now I know the two numbers.

The Guardian

I've never got more than two numbers.

The Guardian - Film

Peter: I still don't know the two numbers.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In technical contexts, clarify the type of "two numbers" you're referencing, such as "two integer numbers" or "two floating-point numbers", to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "two numbers" when you actually mean a range. Instead of saying "the value is between two numbers", specify the range explicitly, such as "the value is between 5 and 10".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "two numbers" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence. Ludwig examples demonstrate its usage in various contexts, from mathematical problems to data analysis.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Wiki

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "two numbers" is a common and grammatically sound way to refer to a pair of numerical values. Ludwig AI analysis indicates its frequent use across diverse fields like news, science, and general reference. While versatile, it's important to ensure clarity and avoid ambiguity by specifying the type or context of these numbers where necessary. The related phrases, such as "pair of numbers" or "couple of figures", offer slight variations for stylistic preferences. Ultimately, mastering its usage contributes to precise and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pair of numbers

Replaces "two" with "pair", emphasizing the grouping of the numbers.

number pair

Inverts the order of words while keeping the meaning mostly intact.

couple of figures

Substitutes "numbers" with "figures", which is often interchangeable.

two values

Replaces "numbers" with the more general term "values".

numerical couple

Uses "couple" instead of "pair" to convey the idea of two numbers.

numerical duo

Uses "duo" to highlight the pair and "numerical" to specify the type.

the two quantities

Replaces "numbers" with "quantities", implying a measurable or countable amount.

the pair in question

Refers to two numbers previously specified or under consideration.

a brace of numbers

Uses a less common, more formal term "brace" to indicate a pair.

double digits

Implies that the numbers are both two-digit numbers.

FAQs

How can I use "two numbers" in a sentence?

You can use "two numbers" when referring to a pair of numerical values in various contexts. For example, "To solve the equation, you need to find "two numbers" that add up to ten."

What can I say instead of "two numbers"?

You can use alternatives like "pair of numbers", "numerical duo", or "couple of figures" depending on the context.

When should I use "pair of numbers" instead of "two numbers"?

"Pair of numbers" emphasizes the grouping, while "two numbers" is a more direct reference. Both are generally interchangeable, but "pair of numbers" may be preferred for clarity when discussing sets or groups.

Is it correct to say "the sum of the two numbers are"?

No, it is incorrect. The correct sentence should be "the sum of the "two numbers" is". "Sum" is singular, so it requires a singular verb.