what number

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "what number" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when asking for a specific numerical value or identification related to a context, such as a code, quantity, or reference. Example: "Can you tell me what number you used for the calculation?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

What number book?

The New York Times

Guess what number you get".

The New York Times

Castleton Avenue What number?

The New York Times - Sports

What number book is this for you?

The New York Times

"What number do you want?... No.

The New Yorker

"What number of Newton's laws is that one, Scotty?

The New York Times - Sports

What number is going to be the tipping point?

The New Yorker

"Every robocaller, legitimate or not, they plug in what number a call is coming from and what number a call is going to," Mr. Herrmann said.

The New York Times

"What number are we?" a sleepy voice inquired from the back seat.

The New York Times - Travel

"I don't know what number he's going to wear," Gillick said, "but it won't be 24".

The New York Times - Sports

"Can anyone guess what number he keeps on his parking spot at Fort Meade?" Dempsey said.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure the context makes it clear that a numerical response is expected when using "what number".

Common error

Avoid using "what number" when you actually want to know the quantity of something. Use "how many" to inquire about the total count, not the specific numerical identifier. For example, use "How many books did you read?" instead of "What number books did you read?"

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what number" functions as an interrogative phrase, used to solicit a numerical answer. Ludwig AI indicates that it is correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "what number" is a grammatically sound and frequently used interrogative phrase that seeks specific numerical information. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is considered accurate and is widely used in English. It functions neutrally across various registers, primarily appearing in news, science, and wiki contexts. When using "what number", ensure that a numerical answer is expected and that you're not inquiring about quantity, which would be better addressed with "how many".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

which number

Focuses on selection from a set, whereas "what number" is more open-ended.

what is the number

Emphasizes the specific number being sought, adding a slight formality.

what numeral

Replaces 'number' with 'numeral', emphasizing the symbol used to represent the quantity.

what figure

Uses 'figure' instead of 'number', suggesting a quantity or amount.

what digit

Focuses on a single numerical character within a larger number.

identify the number

Requests the identification of a specific number, often in a sequence or list.

can you specify the number

Asks for clarification on a particular number, implying a need for precision.

what's the numerical value

Emphasizes the value aspect of the number, which is often used in calculation or measurements.

what is the count

Replaces "number" with "count", focusing on the total quantity.

what position

Emphasizes the location or order of a number in a series.

FAQs

How can I use "what number" in a sentence?

"What number" is used to ask for a specific numerical value or identifier. For example: "What number is on your jersey?" or "What number comes after 10?".

What's a formal alternative to "what number"?

In more formal contexts, consider using "what is the number?" or "could you specify the number?". The phrase "can you specify the number" is more polite and suitable for professional communications.

Is it correct to say "which number" instead of "what number"?

While both can be used, "which number" implies a selection from a predefined set of numbers, whereas "what number" is more open-ended. Use "which number" if you're asking someone to choose from a specific list.

When should I use "how many" instead of "what number"?

"How many" is used to inquire about the quantity or count of something, while "what number" is used to ask for a specific identifier or value. For example, use "How many apples are there?" instead of "What number apples are there?".