Vocabulary Related to Numbers in English

The English language uses specific terms to refer to numbers, their order, and their quantities. This article presents an exhaustive list of vocabulary associated with numbers, perfect for English language learners. With this guide, you will be well-equipped to confidently use numerical expressions in your everyday English conversations and writings.  

General Terms of Numbers

Here you will learn some general terms associated with numbers in English. These terms are fundamental in understanding numerical concepts and are crucial in a wide range of contexts, from everyday communication to specialized domains like mathematics and science.

• Cardinal numbers: these are basic numbers used in counting to show quantity. 
• Ordinal numbers: these numbers show the position or order of things in a series.
• Fractions: these are mathematical expressions representing the division of one quantity by another. 
• Decimals: these are numbers expressed in the base-10 system, which represent whole numbers plus fractions of whole numbers, indicated by a decimal point. 
• Multiples: these are the result of multiplying a number by any integer. 
• Factors: these are numbers that can be evenly divided into other numbers. For example, two and four are factors of eight.

With these general terms of numbers, you are now equipped to understand better and communicate complex numerical concepts in English. As with all language learning, consistent practice is key, so make sure to regularly use these terms in your everyday conversations and in written English.

Cardinal Numbers

Cardinal numbers are the most common type of numbers in English. They show how many of something exists.

Now that you've familiarized yourself with numbers 1-100, you're ready to count and quantify items in English with confidence. Keep practicing to commit these numbers to memory.

Ordinal Numbers

Ordinal numbers are used to show position or order in a series or talk about ranks, sequences, and chronological orders. Here are some common ordinal numbers:

Starting from 21, you will use a cardinal of tens and an ordinal of ones. For example, twenty-first, twenty-second, thirty-fifth etc. 

You've now learned how to express order and position in English using ordinal numbers 1 to 100. Continue using these in various contexts to enrich your language proficiency.

Fractions and Decimals

Fractions help us talk about parts of a whole or less than one. They are widely used in everyday life, from cooking to finances, to express partial quantities. Decimals, similar to fractions, represent parts of a whole but in a different format. They're essential in mathematical and scientific fields and daily life situations such as money-related conversations. 

• Half: one of two equal parts of a whole.
• Quarter: one of four equal parts of a whole; also, 25 cents in American money.
• Third: one of three equal parts of a whole.
• Tenth: one of ten equal parts of a whole.
• Point: used to indicate the decimal place when saying decimal numbers aloud.
• Percent: a ratio per hundred; used to indicate a proportion in hundredths.

With the understanding of fractions and decimals, you've unlocked a new way to express divisions and partitive quantities in English. Practice these regularly in various scenarios to make them an integral part of your vocabulary.

Multiples and Factors

Multiples, in mathematics and the English language, refer to the product of a number and any other whole number. They're essential in many areas, such as calculating amounts or understanding sequences. The term "factors" refers to numbers that divide evenly into other numbers. This concept is used in various contexts in English, especially in mathematics or problem-solving situations.

• Double: multiple of two; twice as much or many; two times.
• Triple: multiple of three; three times as much or many.
• Quadruple: four times as much or many.
• “X” times: used to indicate multiplication in English. For example: “ten times bigger,” “seven times more.”
• Divided by: used to indicate a division in English.

Now that you've learned about multiples and factors, you've added another tool to your English vocabulary toolbox. With consistent practice, these terms will soon become an integral part of your everyday language usage.

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Number-related Expressions

Number-related expressions are phrases or idioms that include numbers or numerical concepts.

• Once in a blue moon: very rarely.
• On cloud nine: extremely happy.
• At sixes and sevens: in a state of confusion or disarray.
• A dime a dozen: very common, not unique.
• Two heads are better than one: this expression means that working together with someone else will yield better results than working alone.
• The whole nine yards: this idiom means everything; all of something.
• Put two and two together: this means to figure something out or draw a conclusion from the information given.
• Back to square one: this phrase means having to start all over again.

Idiomatic expressions with numbers offer a fascinating insight into the rich, figurative nature of English. With these expressions, you’re not only will be able to understand the nuances of the language better but also express yourself in a more natural, native-like manner. Continue practicing them in different contexts, and they'll soon become an organic part of your English communication.

Conclusion

Understanding the various types of vocabulary related to numbers in English is crucial to becoming fluent in the language. With this guide, you should now be comfortable using a wide range of numerical vocabulary, from cardinal and ordinal numbers to fractions, decimals, and idiomatic expressions. Keep practicing these terms in your daily conversations, and soon, using them will become second nature.