Quantity, Amount, or Number

Quantity, Amount, or Number

Quantity: This word is used for countable or measureable things that are usually inanimate. It is usually followed by a singular noun. However, there are exceptions where the term ‘quantity’ is followed by plural objects as well. They are mostly used with adjectives such as small, big, large, huge, great, etc.

For example:

1) What is the quantity of sugar left in store after today’s sale?

2) There is a very small quantity of food left in the refrigerator and we must go shopping before it comes to starving.

3) There is large quantity of apples packed for export to the southern regions of the country.

4) Both quality and quantity of content matters when it comes to approval of consumers.

Amount: It is used for uncountable nouns. It is also usually followed by singular nouns but with lesser exceptions.

For example:

1) A small amount of water was enough to bring the drooping plant back to life.

2) Can you please have some amount of respect for your seniors—both in age and experience?

3) It would be wise if everyone spared a little amount of time summing up their own mistakes and deeds.

Number: It is used for countable nouns and is usually followed by plural nouns. Note that if you use the term “The number,” it is followed by a singular verb whereas “A number” is followed by a plural verb.

For example:

1) The number of casualties in the incident rose to 20 within 2 hours.

2) A number of dogs have been trained to guard the house at night.

3) Let’s jot down the number of things we will do at the trek.

Read the following sentences and choose the one that uses the words correctly:

1. We were about to leave the village in haste when suddenly we heard voices of a large ____ (quantity/amount/number) of villagers calling for help.
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2. The appropriate ____ (quantity/amount/number) of sand mixed with cement gives it the proper rigidity and strength required to build a concrete wall.
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3. Some ____ (quantity/amount/number) of craze combined with curiosity is what it takes for a person to do what has never been accomplished by anyone else.
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4. South Wales Police have issued an urgent warning following the theft of a large ____ (quantity/amount/number) of dangerous drugs from a chemist in Rhondda.
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5. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday launched a universal account ____ (quantity/ amount/number) for provident fund subscribers that will enable you to link your PF account to this number.
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