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. “Amount” can also show the degree of something, like the amount of effort or involvement needed to do something.
(Here, sugar is a substance that is uncountable, so we use the word “amount”)
(Chocolate, when we’re not talking about small pieces, is an uncountable substance.)
(Water is a liquid so it’s uncountable. So “amount” is the correct word to use.)
(Money here refers to a general sum, and it’s not countable like dollars or coins.)
(Here, effort is not something you can count, so “amount” is the right choice.)
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.
(Students are countable, so “number” is used.)
(Species can be counted, making “number” appropriate.)
(Books are countable items and that’s why we use “number” here.)
(Seven is a number, and numbers are countable.)
Phrases with the word amount
Here are some popular phrases with the word amount.
There was a lot of water on the floor after the rainstorm.
I only added a bit of sugar to the coffee.
The level of effort invested in this project is remarkable.
We spent quite a bit of time preparing for the presentation.
There was a lot of interest in the new product.
Phrases with the word number
Many students attended the seminar.
Only a few employees are on vacation this week.
We have completed more tasks.
More and more people are working remotely.
Many attendees joined the webinar.
