number of items sold

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "number of items sold" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing sales data, inventory, or performance metrics in a business context. Example: "The report indicated a significant increase in the number of items sold compared to last quarter."

✓ Grammatically correct

Formal & Business

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

But the number of items sold to each customer fell.

The Economist

The number of items sold in the fourth quarter fell 0.4%, failing to meet analysts' expectations of a slight rise.

The Guardian - Business

Walgreen has reduced the number of items sold at its stores to lower costs and to focus on its most profitable products.

The New York Times

Sainsbury's said it had gained market share, attracted more shoppers and increased the number of items sold while its prices relative to Asda, the cheapest of the UK's largest supermarkets, had "never been sharper".

The Guardian - Business

Groceries are 1.7% cheaper than a year ago and the number of items sold barely rose, meaning that the overall market slipped back into decline for the first time since November.

The Guardian - Business

The Anglo-Dutch consumer products firm said the number of items sold rose 0.3% in the third quarter of this year – a sharp slowdown from 1.9% growth in each of the previous two quarters.

The Guardian - Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

For example, don't list just sales, but include numbers of items sold and describe how you personally increased sales.

Huffington Post

At the center of the dispute is a number of striped items sold by Forever 21, including a choker, embroidered sweater, a faux leather bomber jacket and a floral bomber jacket.

Forbes

On days when the "busy" signs were up, the number of unhealthy items sold was significantly lower than on days when the "summer" signs were up or no sign was used.

Harvard Business Review

The number of actual items sold has dropped year-over-year by as much as 10%, which is a big hit.

TechCrunch

The search results will tell you the number of similar items sold on eBay in the past 15 days, their average sell price, and the high and low price range.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use visuals, like charts or graphs, to present data about the "number of items sold" trends, especially when comparing different periods.

Common error

Don't confuse the "number of items sold" with revenue. While the number of items gives insight into sales volume, it doesn't reflect the monetary value or profit generated. Always consider pricing and costs for a complete financial picture.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "number of items sold" functions as a noun phrase that quantifies the amount of products or goods exchanged in a transaction. This is used frequently in business and economic contexts, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

17%

Less common in

Wiki

11%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "number of items sold" is a common phrase used to describe the quantity of products or goods exchanged. Ludwig AI confirms it is grammatically correct and widely applicable. It is most frequently encountered in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Science contexts, signifying its importance across diverse fields. While alternatives like "sales volume" or "units sold" exist, "number of items sold" clearly communicates sales figures and is vital for understanding sales trends and inventory management. Remember to specify the timeframe when reporting this metric and avoid confusing it with revenue or profit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sales volume

A more concise term referring to the quantity of sales.

quantity sold

Emphasizes the amount of product exchanged.

units sold

Specifically refers to individual products sold.

items purchased

Focuses on the buyer's perspective rather than the seller's.

total sales

Implies the total revenue generated from selling items.

goods sold

Broader term encompassing all types of merchandise.

products sold

Similar to goods sold, but more specific to manufactured items.

volume of sales

Highlights the extent of sales activity.

merchandise sold

Focuses on the retail aspect of the transaction.

transaction volume

Focuses on the number of transactions that took place.

FAQs

How to properly use "number of items sold" in a report?

When including the "number of items sold" in a report, ensure that you specify the period for which the data is relevant. For example, "The number of items sold in Q3 increased by 15% compared to Q2".

What is a good substitute for "number of items sold" in business communication?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "sales volume", "units sold", or "quantity sold".

How does "number of items sold" differ from "total revenue"?

The "number of items sold" refers to the quantity of products sold, while "total revenue" is the monetary value of those sales. An increase in the "number of items sold" doesn't always translate to an increase in total revenue if prices are reduced.

Is it important to track the "number of items sold"?

Yes, tracking the "number of items sold" is important for inventory management, sales forecasting, and understanding product performance. It helps businesses identify popular items, optimize stock levels, and make informed decisions about pricing and marketing strategies.