twenty-two
A1Neutral. Appropriate in all contexts, from formal to informal.
Definition
Meaning
The number 22; the integer following twenty-one and preceding twenty-three.
A quantity or designation where 22 items or units are involved. In specific contexts, it may refer to a calibre of firearm (.22) or a particular age or size.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a cardinal number, but can function as a noun (e.g., 'He wears a twenty-two'). In hyphenated form, acts as a compound adjective before a noun ('a twenty-two-year-old').
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in the numeral itself. Potential minor variation in the phrasing of related expressions, e.g., UK: 'two-and-twenty' (archaic/poetic), US: 'twenty-two' (exclusively standard).
Connotations
In both varieties, '.22' commonly refers to a small-calibre rifle or pistol round.
Frequency
Equally high frequency in both dialects.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[BE] twenty-two[HAVE] twenty-two [OBJECTS][THERE ARE] twenty-twoVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Catch-22 (though this is specifically related to the title, not the number itself in general usage)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in reports, statistics, and figures (e.g., 'a twenty-two percent increase').
Academic
Used in citing pages, quantities in experiments, or statistical data.
Everyday
Used for age, quantities, time (minutes/hours), sizes, and scores.
Technical
In engineering or computing, can be a model number (e.g., 'Type 22 frigate'). In firearms, denotes .22 calibre.
Examples
By Part of Speech
adjective
British English
- She bought a twenty-two litre fuel can.
- He is in his twenty-second year.
American English
- He owns a twenty-two inch monitor.
- She is in her twenty-second year.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I have twenty-two pencils.
- My sister is twenty-two years old.
- The recipe requires twenty-two grams of sugar.
- Twenty-two people attended the meeting.
- Despite being only twenty-two, she managed the project with impressive skill.
- The survey indicated that twenty-two percent of respondents strongly disagreed.
- The statute, found in Title 22 of the US Code, governs foreign relations.
- He adjusted the sights on his .22 rifle before the target practice.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of two '2's side by side: 22. Or, 'twenty' (2 tens) plus 'two' more.
Conceptual Metaphor
A NUMBER IS A CONTAINER FOR QUANTITY; A NUMBER IS A LOCATION ON A PATH (the number line).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Direct translation 'двадцать два' is correct. Trap: Using plural form incorrectly after the number in English (e.g., 'twenty-two book' is wrong; must be 'twenty-two books').
Common Mistakes
- Writing '22' as words incorrectly: 'twenty two' (should be hyphenated when used as an adjective before a noun: 'twenty-two pages'), 'twentytwo'. Confusing with 'twenty too'. Incorrect pluralisation: 'She is twenty-two years old' (not 'year').
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'twenty-two' correctly as a compound adjective?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, when used as an adjective before a noun (e.g., 'a twenty-two-page document'). It is not hyphenated when used as a noun ('the number twenty-two') or after a verb ('she is twenty-two').
Often as a voiced flap/tap, sounding similar to a quick 'd', especially between vowels or after 'n'. It can also be pronounced as a clear 't'.
Twenty-second (22nd).
Only etymologically; it originates from the title of Joseph Heller's novel. It now means a paradoxical, no-win situation and is not generally used to refer to the number itself.