Cool MateFigure vs Number
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Figure
Top 1,000 (very common)A2noun
Number
Top 1,000 (very common)A1noun
| Figure | Number | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈfɪɡə(r)/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈfɪɡjər/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈnʌmbə(r)/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈnʌmbər/"]/ |
| Meaning | A shape or form of something, or a person’s body. | A number is a word or symbol that represents a quantity. |
| Example | I can see the figure of a man in the distance. | He called the number on the advertisement to get more information. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 1,000 (very common) |
| CEFR level | A2 | A1 |
| Part of speech | noun | noun |
| Collocations | high, low, double, reach, exceed, add, add up, be bandied about, indicate something, according to (the) figures, in round figures, great, central, key, figure of, cloaked, hooded, masked, painter, drawing, painting, beautiful, fine, good, cut, have, keep, a fine figure of a man, a fine figure of a woman, refer to, see, illustrate something, show something | three-digit, 16-digit, cardinal, calculate, add, add together, in round numbers, number crunching, fax, phone, telephone, call, dial, phone, be busy, be engaged, be unobtainable, exchange numbers, somebody’s name and number, big, high, low, grow in, increase in, decrease in, go up, grow, increase, in number, number of, a decline in numbers, a drop in numbers, a growth in numbers, big, high, low, grow in, increase in, decrease in, go up, grow, increase, in number, number of, a decline in numbers, a drop in numbers, a growth in numbers |
| Antonyms | formlessness, ambiguity | none |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'figured' as in past tense., Using 'figure' when they mean 'figures' as in numbers., Misusing 'figure out' in contexts that don't require problem-solving. | Confusing 'number' with 'amount' (use 'number' for countable items, 'amount' for uncountable), Saying 'the number of less people' instead of 'fewer people', Using 'numbers' when referring to a singular 'number' |
| Usage notes | Use 'figure' to describe both shapes (like in math) and people. Avoid in very casual conversations unless referring to a specific type of figure like a 'figure skate.' | Use 'number' when referring to a specific quantity of things. It's appropriate in both spoken and written contexts, though in formal settings, specify further (e.g., 'number of participants'). Avoid using it in highly technical mathematical discussions where specific numerical terms are preferred. |
Frequently asked questions: Figure vs Number
What's the difference between Figure and Number?
Figure: A shape or form of something, or a person’s body. Number: A number is a word or symbol that represents a quantity.
Are Figure and Number the same CEFR level?
Figure: A2, Number: A1 on the CEFR scale.
Can I use Figure and Number interchangeably?
Not always. Figure and Number are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.