"count the number" vs "count numbers"

Question

"count the number" vs "count numbers"

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'Count the number' is used when you want to emphasize counting a specific number, while 'count numbers' is used when referring to counting multiple numbers.

Last Updated: March 31, 2024

This phrase is used when you want to highlight the act of counting a particular number, emphasizing the singularity of the number being counted.

Examples:

Please count the number of people in the room.
Can you count the number of books on the shelf?

Alternatives:

Count that number
Count this number
Count a number

This phrase is used when you are talking about counting multiple numbers, without emphasizing a specific number.

Examples:

She can quickly count numbers in her head.
The task requires you to count numbers from 1 to 100.

Alternatives:

Count a series of numbers
Count several numbers
Count a set of numbers

Answer 1

count the number

This phrase is correct and commonly used when you want to emphasize counting a specific number.

Answer 2

count numbers

This phrase is correct and commonly used when referring to counting multiple numbers.

"count the number" vs "count numbers"

count the number

count numbers

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