Compare quantities that can and cannot be counted as separate items.
The idea
Use amount of with uncountable nouns and number of with plural countable nouns.
| Expression | Typical noun |
|---|---|
| amount of | uncountable: water |
| number of | plural countable: letters |
Examples
- The amount of rain surprised us.
- The number of visitors doubled.
- A small amount of flour remained.
- A large number of birds rested here.
- The amount of time matters.
- We counted the number of chairs.
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Watch out
Do not choose by size: many small objects still take number of.
Try it yourself
Choose the correct word. The ___ of water in the tank fell. (amount / number)
Show answer or example answer
amount
amount: The water is treated as a mass.
Choose the correct word. A large ___ of letters arrived today. (amount / number)
Show answer or example answer
number
number: Letters are separate items.
Choose the correct word. Measure the ___ of sugar needed. (amount / number)
Show answer or example answer
amount
amount: Sugar is an uncountable substance.
Practice round
Answer questions and rebuild English sentences to practise. Your score is shown.
Choose the correct word. The ___ of water in the tank fell. (amount / number)
Choose the correct word. A large ___ of letters arrived today. (amount / number)
Choose the correct word. Measure the ___ of sugar needed. (amount / number)
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
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Describe a quantity of water and a count of books.