upon number

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "upon number" is not commonly used in written English and may sound awkward or unclear.
It could potentially be used in a specific context where it refers to a condition or action based on a numerical value, but it is not standard. Example: "Upon number being reached, the system will trigger an alert."

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

Besides, he joked, with the buyout package based upon number of years of employment, "I'd bankrupt the paper".

The New York Times

At Kadambini, the pay scale was based upon number of bricks carried, pressed and baked.

The New York Times

And this compares how exactly to the six (6) heretics – the agreed upon number, I think – executed while More was Lord Chancellor?

Stanford University

It was observed that the design rules for LNA substitution in PCR primers are complex and depend upon number, position and sequence context.

Molecular and Cellular Probes

While there is no widely agreed upon number for surrogate births, the American Society for Reproductive Medicine estimates 400 to 600 births a year from 2003 to 2007 in which a surrogate was implanted with a fertilized egg.

The New York Times

Impact depends upon number, size, type and location of DER in the distribution system.

Protection and Control of Modern Power Systems

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

The agreed-upon number will be between 2,160 and 2,250.

The Washington Post

In exchange, they pay a premium over regular condo prices and agree not to decorate the space or stay in it beyond an agreed-upon number of nights.

The New York Times

Merchants on the Barnesand Noble.com Web site pay nothing for the privilege, but must deliver an agreed-upon number of their own customers to the BarnesandNoble site.

The New York Times

There are now 11,600 rooms in the casino-hotels, plus 2,500 in non-casino hotels, and the generally agreed-upon number needed to attract big conventions and major airline service is 20,000.

The New York Times

treaty, and to deploy the system when it is ready (after a waiting period of an agreed-upon number of years, probably until 1996, or ten years after Reykjavik).

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "upon number", ensure the context is formal or technical, as it can sound stilted in casual conversation. Consider alternatives like "based on the number" or "depending on the quantity" for broader applicability.

Common error

Avoid using "upon number" in contexts where simpler, more modern phrasing like "based on the amount" or "depending on the count" would be more appropriate. Overusing archaic language can make your writing sound unnatural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "upon number" functions as a prepositional phrase, indicating dependence or conditionality based on a numerical quantity. It connects one element to another, specifying that a particular outcome or characteristic is determined by a specific number. Ludwig indicates it can sound awkward.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "upon number" is a prepositional phrase used to indicate dependence or conditionality based on a numerical quantity. While grammatically acceptable, it can sound somewhat formal or even archaic in modern English. As Ludwig AI indicates, consider using alternatives like "based on the number" or "depending on the quantity" for increased clarity and broader appeal. Its primary contexts include science, news & media, and academia, reflecting its use in formal and technical writing. While found in reputable sources such as The New York Times and Forbes, its frequency is only considered common, advising consideration of more accessible phrasing where appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

agreed-upon quantity

Similar to "agreed-upon number" but uses "quantity" instead.

based on quantity

Replaces "number" with "quantity", emphasizing the amount rather than the specific numerical value.

dependent on the count

Substitutes "upon" with "dependent on" and "number" with "count", providing a clearer and more common phrasing.

contingent on the figure

Uses "contingent on" instead of "upon" and "figure" in place of "number", altering the tone slightly.

calculated from the amount

Focuses on calculation, replacing "upon number" with a phrase highlighting the derivation from a quantity.

determined by the total

Replaces "upon number" with a phrase that focuses on determination based on a total value.

proportional to the quantity

Highlights the proportional relationship to a quantity rather than a direct dependence.

reliant on the sum

Uses "reliant on" and "sum" for emphasis on total amount.

as a function of the amount

Expresses a mathematical or functional relationship to the amount.

governed by the value

Indicates that the value dictates or controls something.

FAQs

What does "upon number" mean?

The phrase "upon number" means something is dependent on or determined by a numerical value or quantity. It's often used in formal or technical contexts.

What can I say instead of "upon number"?

You can use alternatives like "based on quantity", "depending on the count", or "contingent on the figure" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "based on number" or "upon number"?

"Based on number" is generally more common and sounds less formal than "upon number". "Upon number" can be appropriate in specific technical or formal writing, but "based on number" is often a clearer and more accessible choice.

How do I use "upon number" in a sentence?

Use "upon number" to indicate dependence or calculation. For example, "The impact depends upon number, size, type and location of DER in the distribution system." However, consider if a simpler alternative would improve clarity.