Is "Number" Singular or Plural?

"The Number Of" Is Singular

The phrase "the number" is singular. For example:

• The number of visitors is increasing.
• The number has dropped dramatically.
• The number of votes was twenty-two.

The word "number" is singular when it refers to an arithmetical value. When used in this way, it is preceded by "the."

"A Number Of" Is Plural

The phrase "a number" is plural. For example:

• A number of visitors are leaving.
• A number have disappeared.
• A number of votes were lost.

The word "number" is plural when means "some." When used in this way, it is preceded by "a."

"A Number" Can be Singular

Be aware that the term "a number" can be singular when it refers to a number symbol (i.e., not a letter). For example:

• A number is visible beneath the varnish.

The Difference between "Amount" and "Number"

Use "amount" with a single item. Use "number" with multiple items.

• A large amount of people
(This is wrong because "people" is plural.)
• A large amount of flour
(This is correct because "flour" is singular.)
• A large number of people

Here is a real-life example showing the difference between "amount" and "number":

• At that stage, a huge amount of sugar and a vast number of chocolate buttons are poured in and stirred. There is a short wait and then a seemingly infinite number of chocolates whizz along the belt.

Read more about using "amount," "quantity," and "number".

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