Amount vs Number
What’s the difference between them?
Amount
Meaning:
represents a quantity of things that can not be counted.
Examples:
1. The amount of rainfall in the region has been significantly lower than usual this year.
2. She was surprised by the large amount of traffic on the highway during rush hour.
3. Please be mindful of the amount of sugar you add to the recipe; too much can make it overly sweet.
Number
Meaning:
represents a quantity of things that can be counted.
Examples:
1. The number of students in the class increased after more enrollments were accepted.
2. I lost track of the number of books I've read this summer; it must be over a dozen by now.
3. Can you provide the number of attendees for the upcoming conference so we can make proper arrangements?
Learn similar and opposite words to spot the difference
Synonyms
Antonyms
Amount
1. Quantity
2. Volume
3. Extent
4. Magnitude
5. Profusion
1. Decrease
2. Minimize
3. Subtract
4. Empty
5. Lack of Quantity
Number
1. Count
2. Amount
3. Integer
4. Quantify
5. Sum Total
1. Decrease
2. Few
3. Subtract
4. Not enough
5. Opposite of increase
Tricks for mastery
Useful tips to understand the difference between confusing words "Amount", "Number".
1. Think about the items in question - if they can be counted, it is a 'number', if they can't be counted, it is an 'amount'.
2. Use mnemonics: 'An amount is an undivided whole, but a number can be counted, and told.'
Practice English with the Promova app and avoid misusing confusing words
Frequently asked questions
When should the word 'Amount' be used?
Amount should be used when referring to an inexact quantity of something. For example, 'I have an amount of apples in my kitchen.'
When is the appropriate context for using the word 'Number'?
Number should be used when referring to a precise quantity of something. For example, 'I have a number of 7 apples in my kitchen.'
Do the two words 'Amount' and 'Number' share the same pronunciation?
No, the two words do not share the same pronunciation. Amount is pronounced (/əˈmaʊnt/) and Number is pronounced (/ˈnʌmbər/).
What are some common mistakes people make when using these words?
A common mistake people make when using these words is using the wrong one in the wrong context. For example, saying 'I have an amount of 7 apples in my kitchen' when the correct word is 'number'. Another common mistake is confusing the pronunciations of the two words.
Fill in the gaps to check yourself
1. I couldnt believe the _amount_ of people who showed up to the party.
2. She only had a limited _number_ of days to complete the project.
3. It was a staggering _amount_ of work to finish in such a short time.
4. They needed to count the _number_ of attendees before they could start.
5. He was surprised by the _amount_ of effort she put into the task.
6. It was an impressive _number_ of people who showed up to help.
1. I couldnt believe the number of people who showed up to the party.
Explanation: The word number is used to refer to a countable quantity or a great deal of something. In this case, the sentence is referring to the large quantity of people who attended the party, so the word number is used.
2. She only had a limited number of days to complete the project.
Explanation: The word number is used to refer to a specific, countable quantity of something. In this sentence, the speaker is referring to the specific count of days the woman had to complete the project, so the word number is used.
3. It was a staggering amount of work to finish in such a short time.
Explanation: The word amount is used to refer to a large quantity or a great deal of something. In this sentence, the speaker is referring to the large amount of work the person had to finish in a short time, so the word amount is used.
4. They needed to count the number of attendees before they could start.
Explanation: The word number is used to refer to a specific, countable quantity of something. In this sentence, the speaker is referring to the specific count of attendees they needed to count before they could start, so the word number is used.
5. He was surprised by the amount of effort she put into the task.
Explanation: The word amount is used to refer to a large quantity or a great deal of something. In this sentence, the speaker is referring to the large amount of effort the woman put into the task, so the word amount is used.
6. It was an impressive number of people who showed up to help.
Explanation: The word number is used to refer to a specific, countable quantity of something. In this sentence, the speaker is referring to the specific count of people who showed up to help, so the word number is used.
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List of Commonly Confused Words
Finding your way around the English language can be hard, especially since there are so many confusing words and rules. So, a list of the most confusing words in English is an extremely useful tool for improving language accuracy and sharing the ideas clearly.