Cool MateNumber vs Statistic
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Number
Top 1,000 (very common)A1noun
Statistic
Top 1,000 (very common)B1noun
| Number | Statistic | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈnʌmbə(r)/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈnʌmbər/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/stəˈtɪstɪk/"]/🇺🇸 /["/stəˈtɪstɪk/"]/ |
| Meaning | A number is a word or symbol that represents a quantity. | A number that describes a group or situation. |
| Example | He called the number on the advertisement to get more information. | The statistic showed a significant increase in sales this quarter. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 1,000 (very common) |
| CEFR level | A1 | B1 |
| Part of speech | noun | noun |
| Collocations | 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 | statistic analysis, statistic data, statistic significance, statistic model, statistic report |
| Antonyms | none | individual, anecdote |
| Common mistakes | 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' | Confused with 'statistical', which is an adjective., Using 'statistic' in plural form incorrectly as 'statistics' when discussing the field of study., Mispronouncing it as 'stati-stic' instead of 'sta-tis-tic'. |
| Usage notes | 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. | Commonly used in academic and professional contexts. Avoid using in casual conversations unless related to data or research. Be cautious with statistical data to ensure accuracy. |
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Frequently asked questions: Number vs Statistic
What's the difference between Number and Statistic?
Number: A number is a word or symbol that represents a quantity. Statistic: A number that describes a group or situation.
Which is more advanced: Number and Statistic?
Statistic is the highest level, at B1, on the CEFR scale.
Are Number and Statistic the same CEFR level?
Number: A1, Statistic: B1 on the CEFR scale.
What part of speech are Number and Statistic?
Number: noun, Statistic: noun.
Can you show an example of each?
Number: He called the number on the advertisement to get more information. Statistic: The statistic showed a significant increase in sales this quarter.
Can I use Number and Statistic interchangeably?
Not always. Number and Statistic 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.