A1 noun Neutral #273 most common

number

/ˈnʌm.bər/

A number is a unit of measurement used to count, label, or measure things. It can be written as a symbol, such as 5, or as a word, such as five.

Examples

3 of 5
1

What is your phone number?

What is your phone number?

2

Please write your identification number on the top of the form.

Please write your identification number on the top of the form.

3

I've got a huge number of things to do today.

I have many things to do today.

Word Family

Noun
number
Verb
number
Adverb
numerically
Adjective
numerical
Related
numerator
💡

Memory Tip

Think of the '#' symbol (hashtag), which is also called the 'number sign' to help you remember the word.

Quick Quiz

Can I have your ____ so I can call you later?

Correct!

The correct answer is: number

Examples

1

What is your phone number?

everyday

What is your phone number?

2

Please write your identification number on the top of the form.

formal

Please write your identification number on the top of the form.

3

I've got a huge number of things to do today.

informal

I have many things to do today.

4

The study analyzed a large number of independent variables.

academic

The study analyzed a large number of independent variables.

5

We need to check the sales numbers for the last quarter.

business

We need to check the sales results for the last quarter.

Word Family

Noun
number
Verb
number
Adverb
numerically
Adjective
numerical
Related
numerator

Common Collocations

phone number phone number
wrong number wrong number
lucky number lucky number
even number even number
large number large number

Common Phrases

a number of

several or many

number one

the best or most important

by the numbers

strictly following the rules

Often Confused With

number vs amount

Use 'number' for things you can count individually and 'amount' for things you cannot count.

📝

Usage Notes

Use 'number' when referring to individual items that can be counted (e.g., a number of people). It can also be used as a verb meaning to assign a number to something.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners often use 'amount' when they should use 'number' (e.g., saying 'the amount of students' instead of 'the number of students').

💡

Memory Tip

Think of the '#' symbol (hashtag), which is also called the 'number sign' to help you remember the word.

📖

Word Origin

Derived from the Latin word 'numerus', meaning a quantity or a group.

Grammar Patterns

Countable noun Plural: numbers Phrase: 'The number of' + plural noun + singular verb
🌍

Cultural Context

In many Western cultures, 7 is considered a lucky number while 13 is often considered unlucky.

Quick Quiz

Can I have your ____ so I can call you later?

Correct!

The correct answer is: number

Related Words

unknown

A1

A person or thing that is not known, recognized, or familiar. It often refers to a mysterious situation or a person who has not yet achieved fame or success.

of

A1

A preposition used to show a relationship between a part and a whole, or to indicate belonging and origin. It connects a noun or pronoun to another part of the sentence to specify which one or what kind.

in

A1

A preposition used to indicate position within a container, a space, an area, or a period of time. It describes being surrounded by something or being inside the boundaries of a location.

it

A1

A third-person singular pronoun used to refer to an object, animal, or situation that has already been mentioned or is clear from context. It is also frequently used as a dummy subject to talk about time, weather, or distance.

on

A1

A preposition used to indicate that something is in a position above and supported by a surface. It is also used to indicate a specific day or date, or to show that a device is functioning.

as

A1

A conjunction used to compare two things that are equal in some way. It is most commonly used in the pattern 'as + adjective/adverb + as' to show similarity.

this

A1

Used to identify a specific person, thing, or idea that is physically close to the speaker or has just been mentioned. It can also refer to the present time or a situation that is currently happening.

by

A1

A preposition used to show the method or means of doing something, or to identify the person or thing that performs an action. It frequently appears in passive sentences to indicate the agent or before modes of transport.

we

A1

The word 'we' is a first-person plural pronoun used to refer to the speaker and one or more other people collectively. It is used as the subject of a sentence or clause.

or

A1

A coordinating conjunction used to connect two or more possibilities or alternatives. it indicates that only one of the options is likely, required, or true.

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