How to Use A Number of and The Number of Correctly

Knowing when to use “a number of” or “the number of” can be confusing for English learners. This guide explains the grammar rules, subject-verb agreement, and key differences between the two phrases, with clear examples, common mistakes, and tips for writing and speaking exams.

I. What Do “A Number of” and “The Number of” Mean?

Although both phrases include the word "number," “a number of” and “the number of” have different grammatical functions and meanings in English. Confusing the two can lead to errors in subject-verb agreement and a shift in intended meaning—especially in formal writing or exams like IELTS or TOEIC.

• “A number of” is used to mean several or many. It behaves like a phrase indicating quantity and is followed by a plural noun and a plural verb.
  Example: A number of students are late for class.

• “The number of” refers to a specific count or quantity. It behaves as a singular noun phrase that takes a singular verb.
  Example: The number of students in the room is twenty.

Both phrases are noun phrases related to quantity, but they differ in focus:

• “A number of” emphasizes existence or presence of a group.
• “The number of” emphasizes the exact figure or total.

Understanding the role each phrase plays in a sentence is crucial for accurate communication in both spoken and written English.

II. Key Differences Between A Number of and The Number of

Although “a number of” and “the number of” share similar structures, they function differently in both meaning and subject-verb agreement. Understanding how and when to use each phrase is essential for writing grammatically correct sentences and avoiding common errors in formal settings.

Subject-Verb Agreement

One of the most important differences lies in how the verb agrees with each structure:

• A number of + plural noun + plural verb: This phrase refers to several people or things and takes a plural verb.
  Example: A number of applicants have submitted their documents.
• The number of + plural noun + singular verb: This phrase refers to the precise count and takes a singular verb.
  Example: The number of applicants is impressive this year.

Explanation: In the first example, "applicants" is seen as the focus (a group of people doing something), while in the second example, “the number” is treated as the true grammatical subject – hence the singular verb.

Difference in Meaning and Emphasis

• “A number of” emphasizes the presence or existence of many people or things. It is often a looser, more general way to say several or many.
• “The number of” highlights the exact figure or overall total. It is often used when referring to statistics, reports, or data.

Grasping these core differences will help you avoid mistakes and use both expressions naturally in both spoken English and formal writing.

III. How to Use A Number of and The Number of” Correctly?

Once you understand the grammatical differences between “a number of” and “the number of,” using them correctly depends on how you apply these rules in real-life contexts. 

Subject-Verb Agreement Rules

Apply the correct verb form based on the structure:

• A number of + plural noun → plural verb
  Example: A number of employees have requested remote work.
• The number of + plural noun → singular verb
  Example: The number of employees requesting remote work is increasing.

Tip: Focus on what is actually being counted. With “a number of,” the emphasis is on the items; with “the number of,” the emphasis is on the total.

Sample Sentences in Everyday and Academic English

Everyday use:

• A number of students are absent today.
• The number of available seats is limited.

IELTS or TOEIC Writing use:

• The number of online learners has grown significantly over the last decade.
• A number of factors contribute to this trend.

These sentences demonstrate how each phrase changes the tone, focus, and verb choice of the sentence.

Word Order and Article Usage

• “A number of” and “the number of” must always be followed by a plural noun.
  Correct: a number of tourists, the number of applicants

• The article cannot be omitted and should not be replaced with another determiner (some, many, etc.).
  Incorrect: number of people is...
  Correct: The number of people is...

• Avoid redundancy:
  Incorrect: A number of many students are...
  Correct: A number of students are...

By following these structural and grammatical cues, you ensure that your writing and speaking are both accurate and appropriate — particularly in academic, business, and test settings.

IV. Advanced Tips for Exams and Formal Writing

When writing in academic or exam settings—such as IELTS Writing Task 2, TOEIC reports, or business English contexts—the correct use of “a number of” and “the number of” can help demonstrate grammatical accuracy and appropriate tone.

When to Use These Phrases in Exam Essays

Use “the number of” when referring to data, statistics, or measurable quantities—often in IELTS Writing Task 1:

• The number of mobile phone users increased significantly between 2010 and 2020.
• The number of accidents on rural roads has decreased.

Use “a number of” in Task 2 essays or formal arguments to introduce multiple reasons, points, or examples:

• A number of social factors contribute to this issue.
• A number of solutions have been proposed.

Keep in mind:

• “The number of” is used when referencing specific, countable figures.
• “A number of” introduces a general group or amount without emphasizing the specific count.

Formal Alternatives to “A Number of”

Although “a number of” is acceptable in both spoken and written English, you may want to vary your language in formal writing. Consider these alternatives:

Example:

• Numerous studies have addressed this topic.
• A variety of strategies were implemented across sectors.

Final Notes for Academic Tone

• Avoid using both “a number of” and “the number of” excessively—keep sentence structures varied.
• In spoken exams like IELTS Speaking, use “a number of” naturally to express quantity without sounding overly formal (e.g., A number of friends recommended this book to me).
• Keep subject-verb agreement precise and use transitions to maintain formal flow.

V. Exercises on “A number of” and “The number of” with detailed answers

To master the difference between “a number of” and “the number of,” practical grammar exercises are essential. Below are three common types of tasks designed to help you practice choosing the correct phrase, using accurate subject-verb agreement, and applying them in real-world contexts.

Exercise 1: Choose the Correct Phrase

Select a number of or the number of to complete each sentence.

1. _________ students have applied for the scholarship this year.
2. _________ tourists visiting the island has increased sharply.
3. We expect that _________ complaints will decrease next month.
4. _________ cars produced in 2022 was lower than in 2021.
5. _________ issues were raised during the meeting.

Exercise 2: Subject-Verb Agreement

Choose the correct form of the verb based on the correct grammatical structure.

1. A number of students (was / were) absent today.
2. The number of books on the shelf (is / are) surprising.
3. A number of employees (has / have) complained about the schedule.
4. The number of online courses (has / have) grown over the years.
5. A number of solutions (has / have) been proposed already.

Exercise 3: Rewrite the Sentences Correctly

Each sentence below contains a mistake. Rewrite it using the correct phrase and verb form.

1. The number of errors in your essay are too high.
2. A number of the team has finished the project.
3. The number of applicants have increased this year.
4. A number of tourist is exploring the city.
5. The number of complaints have dropped significantly.

Answers

VI. Master IELTS Like a Pro

In this article, PREP has provided a detailed explanation of the structure, usage, and distinction between "A number of" and "The number of". If you’re aiming for IELTS excellence, explore these top-notch resources designed for high achievers:

• IELTS online: Score Big in IELTS With Our Expert Tips!