Amount or number?

Most of us get these words mixed up at some time - especially when we are speaking. But when we are writing our readers are less forgiving of misused words.

So how do you know when to use amount and when to use number?

Number is used for things you can count.

Amount is used for things you measure.

'I drank a vast amount of wine last night. I can tell by the number of bottles and corks left on the table.'

'Look at the number of sheep in the snow. The amount of snow is impressive.'

It's really easy when you look at it that way.

Remember:

Number is used for things you can count; amount is used for things you measure.