"number of slaves" vs "number of the slaves"

Question

"number of slaves" vs "number of the slaves"

Both "number of slaves" and "number of the slaves" are correct, but they are used in different contexts. "Number of slaves" is more commonly used when referring to a general count of slaves, while "number of the slaves" is used when referring to a specific group of slaves that has been previously mentioned or is known to the speaker and listener.

Last Updated: March 15, 2024

This phrase is used when referring to a general count of slaves without specifying any particular group or individuals.

Examples:

The number of slaves in the plantation increased over the years.
The number of slaves in ancient Rome was significant.
The number of slaves in the country has been steadily decreasing.
The number of slaves captured during the raid was higher than expected.
The number of slaves imported into the region was staggering.

Alternatives:

quantity of slaves
total number of slaves
amount of slaves
figure of slaves
count of slaves

This phrase is used when referring to a particular group of slaves that has already been introduced or is identifiable to the speaker and listener.

Examples:

The number of the slaves who escaped last night is still unknown.
The number of the slaves in the southern plantation is decreasing.
The number of the slaves in the household has been reduced.
The number of the slaves in the rebellion was underestimated.
The number of the slaves in the mines is alarming.

Alternatives:

quantity of the slaves
total number of the slaves
amount of the slaves
figure of the slaves
count of the slaves

Answer 1

number of slaves

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

Answer 2

number of the slaves

This phrase is correct and used when referring to a specific group of slaves that has been previously mentioned or is known to the speaker and listener.

"number of slaves" vs "number of the slaves"

number of slaves

number of the slaves

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