number
number — verb
1. to give each thing in a group its own position in a list or series, usually by w
to give each thing in a group its own position in a list or series, usually by writing a number on it so that their order is clear.
Christopher numbered every page of his thesis before handing it in.
number + noun phrase — marking items with numbers
All the seats in the hall were numbered so guests could find their places easily.
passive: be numbered
Elena numbered the questions on the worksheet from one to twenty.
The auction catalogue numbered each painting in the order it would be sold.
number + noun — establishing order
- number the pages
- number the seats
- numbered list
- numbered copy
Grammar Patterns
number + noun phrase
be numbered (passive)
Usage Note
Commonly used in the passive form when the focus is on the items that have been marked rather than on the person doing the marking.
Common Mistakes
2. to reach a particular total when you count the members of a group — used to say
to reach a particular total when you count the members of a group — used to say how many people or things there are, especially in official or written contexts.
The crowd that gathered for the rally numbered more than ten thousand.
subject (group) + number + quantity
Karim's stamp collection now numbers over eight hundred items from forty countries.
The university's alumni association numbers about fifty thousand former students worldwide.
subject + number + quantity (institution context)
Devika noticed that her team numbered only twelve people after several members left.
- number in the thousands
- number over/under
- number a total of
- number among
Grammar Patterns
number + quantity/amount
be numbered among + group noun
Usage Note
The subject is always a group of people or things. The amount that follows is the total count of that group. This sense is often used in formal or written English rather than in casual conversation.
Common Mistakes
used to say that someone or something will not continue to exist, work, or live for much longer.
After the company's third loss in a row, the manager knew his job was numbered.
The old hospital's days were numbered once the new medical centre opened across town.
number one
idiomthe best, most important, or most successful person or thing in a particular group or field.
Eve practised every day, determined to become number one in the regional tennis competition.
The song quickly rose to number one on the streaming charts and stayed there for weeks.
to take care of your own interests and well-being before those of other people.
In a tough job market, you sometimes have to look after number one and put your own career first.
Nala knew it sounded selfish, but she had learned that taking care of number one was necessary for her own survival.
number — noun
1. A written symbol (such as 1, 2, or 3) or a word (such as 'five') that stands for
A written symbol (such as 1, 2, or 3) or a word (such as 'five') that stands for a quantity used in counting and calculating.
Dario wrote the number seven on the board for the class to see.
number + [numeral] for a written quantity symbol
The teacher asked the children to count from number one to number twenty.
Sana checked each number on the list before handing it to Karim.
Can you read the tiny numbers printed on the side of the ruler, Paloma?
number + noun (tiny numbers printed on...)
Joshua circled every odd number in his maths book with a red pen.
- even number
- odd number
- whole number
- lucky number
Usage Note
Countable noun — you can have one number or several numbers.
Common Mistakes
2. Numerals placed after a noun (such as a house, a seat, or a page) to show where
Numerals placed after a noun (such as a house, a seat, or a page) to show where something belongs in an ordered list.
Feng lives at number twelve on Green Street, just past the corner shop.
number + [address] for identifying a house
Please turn to page number forty-two in your textbook, everyone.
The flight to London is leaving from gate number seven at the airport.
Élise wrote her seat number on a small note so she would not forget it.
possessive + seat number / room number
The hotel room was number three hundred and ten on the fourth floor.
- house number
- page number
- seat number
- gate number
- room number
- serial number
a longer, unique code printed on a product for official identification
- reference number
used in documents and forms to identify a specific application or case
Usage Note
Often follows a noun directly (e.g. 'gate number seven', 'room number 310'). In addresses, the number usually comes before the street name without the word 'number' in informal use, but 'at number twelve' is a standard spoken pattern.
Common Mistakes
3. The set of digits that you dial to reach a particular person or business by tele
The set of digits that you dial to reach a particular person or business by telephone.
Karim wrote down Talia's number on a napkin after the party.
collocation: someone's number = phone number
If you need a ride home, call my number and I will come get you.
Sade changed her mobile number after moving to a new city last month.
I dialled the wrong number and ended up talking to a pizza place by mistake.
The school posted its new contact number on the website for parents to find.
collocation: contact number / mobile number
- phone number
- mobile number
- wrong number
- contact number
- dial a number
- phone number
the full, more formal term
- telephone number
formal, especially in written English
- extension
a short internal number within a company's phone system
Usage Note
Often shortened to just 'number' in conversation when the context is clear ('What's your number?'). Common compound forms: 'phone number', 'mobile number', 'contact number'.
Common Mistakes
4. The overall sum that you get when you add together every person or item in a par
The overall sum that you get when you add together every person or item in a particular group.
The number of students in the class rose from twenty to twenty-five this year.
the number of + [plural noun] + singular verb
We were surprised by the number who came to the show in the rain.
The number of cars on the road doubles during the summer holiday season.
Caleb counted the number of steps from his house to the bus stop every morning.
What is the total number of tickets sold for tonight's concert so far?
collocation: total number of
- the number of
- total number
- record number
- number of people
Grammar Patterns
the number of + [plural noun] + singular verb
Usage Note
Unlike 'a number of' (see sense 6), 'the number of' refers to a specific total count and takes a singular verb: 'The number of applicants is increasing.'
Common Mistakes
5. A quantity of people or things that is described by an adjective (such as 'large
A quantity of people or things that is described by an adjective (such as 'large', 'small', or 'growing') to show roughly how many there are.
A growing number of families are choosing to cycle to work instead of driving.
adjective + number of + [plural noun]
Only a small number of tickets were left when Feng arrived at the box office.
A surprising number of students had never tried sushi before the school trip.
The company let go of a considerable number of workers when it moved abroad.
- large number
- small number
- growing number
- significant number
Grammar Patterns
[adjective] number of + [plural noun] + plural verb
Usage Note
Distinguish from sense 4: 'the number of' states an exact total. This sense uses an adjective before 'number' to give a rough idea of size (large, small, growing, surprising, considerable). The verb that follows is plural: 'A large number of people were waiting.'
Common Mistakes
6. An expression meaning 'several' or 'some', used when the exact amount is not imp
An expression meaning 'several' or 'some', used when the exact amount is not important and you just want to say there is more than a few.
A number of guests had already left the party by the time dessert was served.
a number of + [plural noun] = several
There are a number of good restaurants in this part of the city.
A number of problems came up during the construction of the new bridge.
The committee raised a number of questions about the safety of the new design.
- a number of people
- a number of times
- a number of issues
- none
zero; opposite of 'several'
Grammar Patterns
a number of + [plural noun] + plural verb
Usage Note
In this sense, 'a number of' always takes a plural verb. It is different from 'the number of' (sense 4), which refers to a specific total and uses a singular verb. Unlike sense 5, this sense does not allow an adjective before 'number'.
Common Mistakes
7. a collection of individuals gathered in one location or united by a shared goal
a collection of individuals gathered in one location or united by a shared goal
Baraka was one of a small number of guests invited to the private dinner.
a small number of + plural noun (people)
A number of students from the dance club volunteered to help with the event.
a number of + plural noun (things/people)
The whole number of passengers on the evening flight was only forty-three.
the whole number of + plural noun
Among the number were several well-known artists and one famous writer.
among the number (formal)
- a small number of
- a large number of
- a number of
- the whole number of
- among the number
Grammar Patterns
a number of + people (followed by plural verb in UK, singular in US)
number + of + plural noun phrase
Usage Note
When used alone as 'a number of' + plural noun, the verb can be singular or plural depending on variety. British English typically uses a plural verb ('A number of people were waiting'), while American English often uses a singular verb ('A number of people was waiting'). In formal writing, 'the number of' always takes a singular verb.
Common Mistakes
8. a grammatical category that tells how many items a word refers to — for example,
a grammatical category that tells how many items a word refers to — for example, whether it points to just one (singular) or to several (plural)
Élise explained that 'child' and 'children' differ in number as well as spelling.
differ in number (grammatical feature)
In English, the verb must agree with its subject in number.
agree in number (subject-verb agreement)
Bao found it tricky that Japanese nouns do not change form to show number.
show number (grammatical marking)
The word 'scissors' looks plural in number but can refer to a single tool.
Minho's essay on number in grammar won first prize at the language fair.
- singular number
- plural number
- agree in number
- show number
- differ in number
- grammatical number
full term, more precise for grammar contexts
- number marking
focuses on how languages show number on words
Grammar Patterns
number + verb (singular/plural agreement)
singular number
plural number
Usage Note
Commonly used in the fixed phrases 'singular number' and 'plural number'. Also appears in grammar contexts like 'number agreement' or 'agree in number'. Countable as a grammar concept ("the numbers of nouns") but more often uncountable.
Common Mistakes
9. an individual edition of a periodical such as a magazine, newspaper, or journal
an individual edition of a periodical such as a magazine, newspaper, or journal
Heather picked up the latest number of her favourite fashion magazine at the airport.
latest number of [publication]
The library keeps every back number of the journal going back to 1952.
back number (previously published issue)
Cyrus wrote a short article for the summer number of the university review.
summer/spring/autumn number (seasonal issue)
This month's number features an interview with a famous film director from Japan.
Paloma saved every number of the comic book series that her uncle gave her.
- latest number
- back number
- current number
- summer number
- number of a magazine
Grammar Patterns
number + of + magazine/newspaper
the + adjective + number
Usage Note
Less common in US English, where 'issue' is preferred. Still widely used in British English and in formal publishing contexts. 'Back number' is a fixed expression meaning a previously published edition.
Common Mistakes
10. an item of attire, most often a woman's dress or suit, that draws admiration for
an item of attire, most often a woman's dress or suit, that draws admiration for its style or appearance
Paloma wore a striking black number with silver buttons to the awards ceremony.
adjective + number (describing the clothing)
The shop window displayed a chic little red number that caught every shopper's eye.
little + colour + number (informal pattern)
Nila chose a comfortable linen number for the summer wedding in the countryside.
fabric/material + number
Heather's vintage silk number from the 1960s was the talk of the party.
- little number
- red number
- silk number
- black number
- vintage number
Grammar Patterns
adjective + number
Usage Note
Almost always preceded by an adjective (often describing colour, fabric, or style). Used informally. Also occasionally used for other admired items like a car ('a sleek little number').
Common Mistakes
11. a person who has a particular quality or belongs to a particular group, often us
a person who has a particular quality or belongs to a particular group, often used to describe someone's type or character
Reuben is not the kind of number who would ever gossip about his friends.
the kind of number (type of person)
Kwame is a sharp number who always finds the fastest solution to any problem.
adjective + number (informal)
Nila thought of herself as a practical number who preferred simple solutions.
Baraka laughed and said, 'So you are one of those artistic numbers, I see.'
one of those + adjective + numbers
- a sharp number
- a clever number
- one of those numbers
- the kind of number
Grammar Patterns
adjective + number
one of those + adjective + numbers
Usage Note
Always used with a preceding adjective or descriptive phrase. This sense is informal and slightly old-fashioned in some varieties. Often appears in the structure 'one of those + adjective + numbers' to classify someone into a familiar type.
Common Mistakes
12. a short vocal or instrumental piece performed as one segment within a concert, s
a short vocal or instrumental piece performed as one segment within a concert, show, or stage production
Kwame and his band played a lively jazz number that got everyone clapping along.
adjective + number (type of music)
The final number of the evening was a slow piano piece that left the audience silent.
final/opening number (position in performance)
Minho's solo dance number at the talent show won him first place.
dance number / musical number
Bao whistled a cheerful little number while walking home through the park.
little number (affectionate, informal)
The choir saved their most difficult number for the very end of the concert.
- musical number
- opening number
- final number
- dance number
- jazz number
- song and dance number
Grammar Patterns
adjective + number
musical number
song and dance number
Usage Note
Common in entertainment and performance contexts. Can describe vocal pieces, instrumental pieces, or dance routines performed to music. 'Musical number' is the broadest term; 'song and dance number' refers specifically to a combined singing and dancing piece.
Common Mistakes
13. a remark, excuse, complaint, or trick that a particular person is known for usin
a remark, excuse, complaint, or trick that a particular person is known for using repeatedly
Luca launched into his usual number about the dog eating his homework.
collocation: usual number
Putri rolled her eyes when her colleague started the same number about being too busy.
collocation: the same number
Mira said, 'I have heard that number before — it is always the same excuse.'
collocation: heard that number
Jude pulled a clever number and convinced the whole team to stay late.
collocation: pull a number
Olivia recognized the number her brother used every time he wanted to borrow money.
- usual number
- same number
- tired number
- pull a number
- do a number
- heard that number
- trick
emphasizes the deceptive or clever action; less about what someone says
- routine
similar informality, often used for a predictable sequence of remarks or behaviour
- spiel
stronger focus on a rehearsed or persuasive speech; slightly more negative tone
- stunt
focuses on an attention-getting action rather than a remark
Grammar Patterns
possessive + number (someone's usual number)
the same number
pull + a + number
Usage Note
Often used with a possessive adjective (my/his/her/their usual number) or in the phrase 'the same number'. Commonly found in informal speech rather than writing.
Common Mistakes
by numbers
idiomDone by following simple numbered steps.
Maya finished the craft project by numbers.
Did you paint that picture by numbers?
by the numbers
idiomDone exactly according to the rules.
The team completed the drill by the numbers.
Sara always follows the recipe by the numbers.
a cushy number
idiomAn easy and pleasant job or situation.
Diego got a cushy number at the tech firm.
Is that a cushy number you have at the library?
To harm someone or something, often deliberately.
The storm did a number on our garden.
Did the criticism do a number on her confidence?
To understand someone's true character or intentions.
Brian thinks he can trick me, but I've got his number.
Maya had his number from the first meeting.
your number is up
idiomThe time has come when you will die or fail.
When the doctor gave the news, he knew his number was up.
After the accident, she felt her number was up.
numbers game
idiomA situation where only the quantity matters, not quality.
The election became a numbers game for the candidates.
Is this just a numbers game for the marketing team?
your opposite number
idiomThe person who holds the same position in another organization.
The CEO met with her opposite number from the rival company.
Diego discussed the project with his opposite number in Tokyo.
Being in a group makes you safer and more confident.
The hikers stayed together because there's safety in numbers.
Maya joined the club, knowing there's safety in numbers.
A group has more power than an individual.
The workers unionized because there's strength in numbers.
Sara convinced her friends to join, citing strength in numbers.
weight of numbers
idiomThe power that comes from having many people on your side.
The protesters won by the weight of numbers.
Did the weight of numbers sway the committee's decision?