"the number of" vs "the numbers of"

Question

"the number of" vs "the numbers of"

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'The number of' is used when referring to a singular noun, while 'the numbers of' is used when referring to multiple nouns. It's important to match the form of the article 'the' and the noun(s) following it.

Last Updated: March 29, 2024

Use 'the number of' when referring to a singular noun. It is followed by a singular noun and is used to indicate quantity or amount.

Examples:

The number of students in the class is twenty.
The number of books on the shelf is increasing.
The number of cars in the parking lot is limited.

Alternatives:

a number of
a large number of
a small number of
a certain number of
the total number of

Use 'the numbers of' when referring to multiple nouns. It is followed by plural nouns and is used to indicate quantities or amounts of each noun.

Examples:

The numbers of students and teachers in the school are increasing.
The numbers of books and magazines on the table need to be organized.
The numbers of cars and bicycles in the garage are growing.

Alternatives:

the various numbers of
the different numbers of
the total numbers of
the combined numbers of
the individual numbers of

Answer 1

the number of

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

Answer 2

the numbers of

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"the number of" vs "the numbers of"

the number of

the numbers of

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