number of water

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "number of water" is not correct in standard written English.
It is typically used incorrectly when referring to a quantity of water, where "amount of water" would be more appropriate. Example: "The amount of water needed for the recipe is two cups."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

For restaurants, the plumbing code allows an equal number of water closets for men and women.

The New York Times

Hydraulic fracturing has been implicated in a growing number of water pollution cases across the country.

The New York Times

The technique has been implicated in a growing number of water pollution cases.

The New York Times

Firefighters are working with a number of water jets around the building to stop the fire from spreading".

The Guardian

But the number of water wells is limited, as is the amount of "impervious cover," like roads and houses.

The New York Times

A number of water molecules are related to the hydration state of cations located at the interlayer sites.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Bt crops produce a toxin that kills pests but is also toxic to related insects, notably monarch butterflies and a number of water insects.

The New York Times

"A growing number of water utilities that have gone through a re-municipalisation process are increasingly ready, along with other institutions, to share experiences and provide practical support.

The Guardian

For example, the number of water purifiers a company sells can serve as a rough measure for the reduction in the number of cases of water-borne disease.

The Guardian

But the number of water molecules in the tray remains more or less constant (unless, of course, a couple of cubes are plopped into a drink).

The New York Times - Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Equally concerning are the number of water-scarce countries where conflict is already underway.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to water, which is an uncountable noun, use "amount of water" or "quantity of water" instead of "number of water" to ensure grammatical correctness. For instance, say "The amount of water in the reservoir is low" rather than "The number of water in the reservoir is low".

Common error

Avoid using "number of" with uncountable nouns like water, sand, or air. "Number of" is best reserved for countable items such as "number of bottles", "number of days", or "number of people". Using "amount of" or "quantity of" is the right way to go.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "number of water" functions as a noun phrase that attempts to quantify water. However, it's grammatically questionable, as highlighted by Ludwig AI, because "water" is typically an uncountable noun. Despite this, the phrase appears in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

39%

News & Media

36%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "number of water" is frequently encountered, as evidenced by its presence in various sources on Ludwig, it's grammatically incorrect because "water" is an uncountable noun. Ludwig AI suggests using alternatives like "amount of water" or "quantity of water" for better grammatical accuracy. Despite its widespread usage, especially in scientific and news contexts, writers should aim for more precise and grammatically correct alternatives to maintain clarity and professionalism. Always consider the context and choose the most appropriate term to describe the quantity of water you're referring to.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

amount of water

Replaces "number" with "amount", which is grammatically correct when referring to uncountable nouns like water.

quantity of water

Similar to "amount of water", using "quantity" emphasizes the measurable extent of water.

volume of water

Focuses on the spatial extent occupied by the water.

level of water

Indicates the height or depth of water, particularly in a container or body of water.

supply of water

Refers to the availability of water resources.

portion of water

Indicates a specific part or share of the total water.

extent of water

Emphasizes the range or scope of water coverage or distribution.

measure of water

Highlights the quantifiable aspect of water, such as in experiments or recipes.

share of water

Denotes a specific allocation or percentage of water resources.

degree of hydration

Focuses on the moisture content or saturation level involving water.

FAQs

When should I use "amount of water" instead of "number of water"?

Use "amount of water" when referring to water in general, as water is an uncountable noun. "Number of" is used for countable nouns, like "number of bottles".

Is "number of waters" correct if I'm referring to bottled water?

If you are referring to individual bottles or servings of water, "number of bottles of water" would be correct. However, avoid "number of water" when discussing water in general.

What are some alternatives to "number of water"?

More appropriate alternatives include "amount of water", "quantity of water", or "volume of water", depending on the context.

What's the difference between "amount of water" and "volume of water"?

"Amount of water" generally refers to the quantity, while "volume of water" refers to the space it occupies. Use "amount" when discussing quantity in general and "volume" when discussing the physical space it fills.