Amounts and Numbers: Counting Your Chickens and Your Milk

Amount vs. Number

Today, we will learn about Amount and Number. These words look similar but they mean different things. Let’s see how to use them!

History

Both words come from old languages. Amount comes from old French “amunter” which means “to rise”. Number comes from Latin “numerus” which means “to count”. They are very old words!

How to Use Them

Amount is used for things you cannot count. Think of things that are like a big pile or a group. You can’t count every piece.

Number is used for things you can count. Think of things that are one by one. You can see each piece and say “1, 2, 3…”.

Trick to Remember the Difference

Remember: Amount is for things like water, air, or money. Number is for things like apples, cars, or books.

Example Sentences with “Amount”

• The amount of water in the lake is very large.
• We need a certain amount of sugar to make the cake.
• She spent a huge amount of money on clothes.
• The amount of effort he puts into work is amazing.
• There is a small amount of milk left in the fridge.

Example Sentences with “Number”

• The number of students in the class is 25.
• She has a large number of books at home.
• The number of cars on the road has increased.
• We counted the number of apples in the basket.
• A small number of people attended the meeting.

Summary

Use Amount for things you cannot count one by one like water or money. Use Number for things you can count one by one like apples or books. This will help you use these words correctly!