“Amount” vs. “number” vs. “quantity”

Question

For what values of x does one write the number of x, the amount of x, or the quantity of x?

Answer 1

Number is used with plural nouns, things that can be counted. (I saw a number of pigeons on the shed this morning.)

Amount is used for nouns that can't be measured. (The amount of animosity generated by his comments was out of all proportion to his words.)

Quantity is used for nouns you can measure. (I have a large quantity of pumpkins for sale.) It is pretty much synonymous with number.

Answer 2

Much vs. Many

Fewer vs. Less

Amount vs. Number vs. Quantity

Use the words 'many', 'fewer', and 'number' when the object is countable (no matter how big that number may be.) "There are many creatures in the ocean."

Use the words 'much', 'less', and 'amount' when the object is measurable, but not countable. "There is much water in the ocean."

'Quantity' is more technical and can be used for both countable and uncountable things. "What is the quantity of water in the ocean?" "What is the quantity of whales in the ocean?"

"Mary bought fewer gallons of milk than Jane, therefor Mary has less milk than Jane."

Answer 3

I was taught:

number is used for countable nouns:

• the number of boxes
• the number of universes

amount is used for singular nouns that represent plural concepts (uncountable nouns):

• the amount of sand
• the amount of cereal