What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
figure
Example
The figure on the invoice was incorrect. [figure: noun]
Example
She drew a beautiful figure of a horse. [figure: noun]
Example
He was a prominent figure in the business world. [figure: noun]
number
Example
The number of participants in the event was impressive. [number: noun]
Example
I need your phone number to contact you. [number: noun]
Example
She numbered the pages of her thesis. [numbered: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Number is more commonly used than figure in everyday language, due to its versatility and neutral connotation.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between figure and number?
Figure is typically associated with a more formal or technical tone, while number can be used in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
