number of sheep

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "number of sheep" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a specific quantity of sheep in a given context, such as farming or livestock management. Example: "The farmer reported a significant increase in the number of sheep on his property this year."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The number of sheep farmers has fallen from 74 in 1983 to about 37 today.

The Guardian

It notes that the number of sheep exceeds the danger point beyond which erosion becomes severe.

The Guardian - Opinion

After the outbreak of mad cow disease in the 1990's, the European Union banned the sale of a number of sheep organs and parts.

The New York Times

Since 1945, the number of sheep in the United States has fallen to 7 million from 46 million, said Megan Wortman, marketing director of the American Lamb Board.

The New York Times

Thompson plays Foley, a gun shearer circa 1956 who has held the record for the number of sheep sheared for a decade.

The Guardian - Film

It has allowed numbers to drop below 20 individuals – a population so small it is not viable – because of complaints by a small number of sheep farmers.

The Guardian

200 goats, 200 pigs, & an undetermined number of sheep, & 3700 rats have been assigned the best seats for the Bikini show... View Article By Larissa MacFarquhar By Rivka Galchen By Lidija Haas By Malcolm Gladwell.

The New Yorker

From 1994 to 2001, according to the United States Department of Agriculture, the number of sheep produced in California dropped by a third, to 840,000, and the number of farms with sheep has dropped by 45percentt.

The New York Times

The reintroduction of lynx and other large predators to parts of Scotland could lead to a rise in the number of sheep being killed and eaten, carrying serious consequences for farmers, a visiting delegation from Norway has warned.

Independent

At that time an anthrax epidemic in France and in some other parts of Europe had killed a large number of sheep, and the disease was attacking humans as well.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The number of sheep that died between January and March this year in the UK is almost 150,000, an increase of nearly 20,000 on the same period last year.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "number of sheep" in formal writing, ensure the context is clear and the numerical value is accurate and verifiable. For instance, in scientific reports, cite the source of the data.

Common error

Avoid using "number of sheeps". The plural of sheep is "sheep", so the correct phrase is always "number of sheep".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "number of sheep" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically acts as the subject or object of a sentence, quantifying the population of sheep in a specific context. This is supported by examples found by Ludwig, which demonstrate its use across different domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

47%

News & Media

42%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase “number of sheep” is a common and grammatically correct way to quantify sheep in various contexts. According to Ludwig, it's primarily used in scientific and news media domains. While alternatives like "sheep count" or "sheep population" exist, the original phrase remains widely accepted. A key writing tip is to avoid the incorrect pluralization "sheeps". The register is generally neutral, often leaning towards formal or scientific when used in reports or studies. Overall, the phrase is straightforward and widely understood, and its use is supported by Ludwig's analysis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sheep count

Focuses on the act of counting sheep, a more concise way to express the same idea.

sheep population

Refers to the total number of sheep in a specific area or group.

quantity of sheep

Emphasizes the amount or extent of sheep present.

total sheep

A simple and direct way to state the overall count of sheep.

sheep herd size

Specifies the size of a group of sheep, implying a numerical value.

amount of sheep

Similar to quantity, but perhaps used in more informal contexts.

head of sheep

Traditional unit for counting livestock, especially sheep, emphasizing individual animals.

sheep inventory

Implies a formal count or listing of sheep, often in a commercial context.

sheep stock

Refers to the number of sheep available, particularly in farming or agricultural contexts.

sheep census

Indicates an official count of sheep, usually for statistical purposes.

FAQs

How do I use "number of sheep" in a sentence?

You can use "number of sheep" to specify the quantity of sheep in a particular context. For example: "The farmer increased the "number of sheep" in his flock this year".

What's a more concise way to say "number of sheep"?

Alternatives include "sheep count", which is a more succinct way of expressing the same idea. It's suitable when the context already implies that you are talking about a numerical value.

Is it ever correct to say "number of sheeps"?

No, the plural of sheep is sheep. The correct phrase is always ""number of sheep"".

What factors can influence the "number of sheep" in a region?

Several factors can affect the "number of sheep", including market demand for wool and meat, climate conditions, availability of grazing land, and predator control.