Start learning English. See more >
ELLA
Amount vs Number
English blogGrammar

Amount vs Number

3 min read

Amount vs Number

The words amount and number can be confusing for English learners. Both words are used to describe how much of something we have. It might seem that they can be used interchangeably, but that’s not true. So, when should we use “amount,” and when should we use “number”?

The word “amount” shows quantity and is used when we are talking about a substance or items that cannot be counted (uncountable nouns). What is uncountable? Some substances, materials, food, liquids, and money. You can take a look at the article countable vs uncountable nouns to find some specific examples. “Amount” can also show the degree of something, like the amount of effort or involvement needed to do something.

The amount of sugar in the recipe should be carefully measured.
(Here, sugar is a substance that is uncountable, so we use the word “amount”)
She ate a small amount of chocolate.
(Chocolate, when we’re not talking about small pieces, is an uncountable substance.)
There is a large amount of water in the lake.
(Water is a liquid so it’s uncountable. So “amount” is the correct word to use.)
Saving a small amount of money each month can help you achieve your financial goals.
(Money here refers to a general sum, and it’s not countable like dollars or coins.)
The amount of effort he put into the project was impressive.
(Here, effort is not something you can count, so “amount” is the right choice.)
Amount vs Number

Number

The term “number” is used in sentences where we talk about quantities of things that can be counted (countable). Some examples of these include people, animals, objects, and numbers.

The number of students in the classroom exceeded 30.
(Students are countable, so “number” is used.)
The number of endangered species is a cause for concern.
(Species can be counted, making “number” appropriate.)
I have a large number of books on my bookshelf.
(Books are countable items and that’s why we use “number” here.)
The number seven is considered lucky in many cultures.
(Seven is a number, and numbers are countable.)

English? No problem

Amount vs Number

Phrases with the word amount

Here are some popular phrases with the word amount.

a large amount of
There was a large amount of water on the floor after the rainstorm.
There was a lot of water on the floor after the rainstorm.
a small amount of
I only added a small amount of sugar to the coffee.
I only added a bit of sugar to the coffee.
the amount of
The amount of effort put into this project is remarkable.
The level of effort invested in this project is remarkable.
a fair amount of
We spent a fair amount of time preparing for the presentation.
We spent quite a bit of time preparing for the presentation.
a great amount of
There was a great amount of interest in the new product.
There was a lot of interest in the new product.
Amount vs Number

Phrases with the word number

a large number of
A large number of students attended the seminar.
Many students attended the seminar.
a small number of
A small number of employees are on vacation this week.
Only a few employees are on vacation this week.
the number of
The number of tasks completed has increased.
We have completed more tasks.
a growing number of
A growing number of people are working remotely.
More and more people are working remotely.
a significant number of
A significant number of attendees joined the webinar.
Many attendees joined the webinar.

ELLA? Experts in teaching English

You may also like

Than vs then
English blogGrammar

Than vs Then

Than vs then The words then and than can confuse people learning English because they sound similar, but they have different meanings. These two words are used in different ways, and it’s important to use them correctly...

2 min read
White Idioms
English blogVocabulary

20 White Idioms

20 White Idioms to Brighten Your Day When we think about white, we think about something pure and simple. So, there’s no surprise that the color white is used in many idioms. Take a look at these 20 white idioms...

4 min read
Last year vs in the last year
English blogVocabulary

Last year vs in the last year

Last year vs in the last year “Last year” and “in the last year” are both correct, but they are used in different situations. While they might seem similar, they have distinct meanings and cannot be used interchangeably...

2 min read

Subskrybuj | YouTube