What's the Difference Between 'Amount Of' and 'Number Of'?

In this blog post we look at when to use amount of and when to use number of.

'Amount Of' or 'Number Of'?

"Amount" and "number" are two phrases that are often used to describe the quantity of something. However, they are not interchangeable and have slightly different meanings.

"Amount" refers to the total quantity or size of something, especially when it is not easily counted or measured. It is used to describe a mass or a quantity of something that cannot be counted.

"Number" refers to the total count of something, especially when it is easily counted or measured. It is used to describe a quantity of something that can be counted.

So, "amount" is used to describe a quantity of something that cannot be counted, while "number" is used to describe a quantity of something that can be counted.

Here are some example sentences to clarify the difference between “amount of” and “number of”:

  • "There is a large amount of snow on the ground." (an uncountable quantity of snow)

  • "She has a small amount of flour left in the pantry." (an uncountable quantity of flour)

  • "There is a significant amount of money in his savings account." (a countable but non-specified amount of money)

  • "There are a number of students in the classroom." (a countable number of students)

  • "She has a number of cats in her house." (a countable number of cats)

  • "There are a number of ways to solve this problem." (a countable number of discrete methods to solve the problem)

Examples of Amount Of in a Sentence

Here are 10 example sentences using the phrase "amount of":

  1. "There was a large amount of food at the party."

  2. "She has a small amount of money left in her savings account."

  3. "There is a significant amount of pollution in the air."

  4. "He has a large amount of experience in his field."

  5. "There was a considerable amount of damage to the car after the accident."

  6. "She has a limited amount of time to finish the project."

  7. "There is a growing amount of evidence supporting the theory."

  8. "He has a small amount of patience when it comes to waiting."

  9. "There was a significant amount of blood on the floor."

  10. "She has a large amount of knowledge about art history."

Examples of Number Of in a Sentence

Here are 10 example sentences using the phrase "number of":

  1. "There are a number of students in the classroom."

  2. "We have a number of cats in this house."

  3. "There are a number of ways to solve this problem."

  4. "He has a number of awards for his work in the field."

  5. "There are a number of options for the new project."

  6. "She has a number of friends in the city."

  7. "There are a number of reasons why the plan failed."

  8. "He enjoys a number of hobbies in his free time."

  9. "There are a number of people who are interested in the job opening."

  10. "She has a number of skills that make her a valuable employee."


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Amount of or Number of
Amount of or Number of