A1noun1K

Number

UK /["/ˈnʌmbə(r)/"]/US /["/ˈnʌmbər/"]/

Definition

a word or symbol that represents an amount or a quantity

In simple words: A number is a word or symbol that represents a quantity.

Examples

  • He called the number on the advertisement to get more information.
  • Please write your number down on this form.
  • The number of students in the classroom is twenty.
  • Can you tell me the number of your house?

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.

Grammar pattern

number + (of) + object

Memory hint

Think of 'number' as 'numb' — it's a way to make sense of how much.

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

Synonyms

  • figure

Antonyms

  • none

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'