numbers of children

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "numbers of children" is not correct in standard written English.
It is typically used when referring to the quantity or count of children in a specific context, but the correct form would be "number of children." Example: "The number of children enrolled in the program has increased this year."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

He was promised low numbers of children".

The New York Times - Health

Most involve only small numbers of children.

The New York Times - Science

We have epidemic numbers of children with learning, behavioral and respiratory problems.

The New York Times

But she said there had been increased numbers of children with significant disabilities.

The New York Times

It won enormous contracts to care for greater numbers of children.

The New York Times

Increasing numbers of children have high blood pressure, largely as a consequence of their obesity.

The New York Times - Health

However, although the numbers of children has fallen, they are held in detention for longer.

The Guardian

Growing numbers of children in the UK are entering schools with limited or no English.

The Guardian

"There are increasing numbers of children and young people nationally identifying as trans".

The Guardian

"He has untold numbers of children and he's never wanted his children to respect him".

The Guardian - Film

About half of Palestinian youth are unemployed, and large numbers of children suffer from depression.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always use the singular form "number of children" for grammatical accuracy. While "numbers of children" is frequently used, it's considered incorrect in standard English.

Common error

Be mindful of using "numbers" instead of "number". The plural form is a common mistake. Proofread carefully and ensure you are using the grammatically correct singular form.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "numbers of children" functions as a noun phrase, intending to quantify a group of children. Although prevalent in usage, Ludwig AI indicates that it's grammatically incorrect. It aims to specify the amount or quantity of children within a particular context.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Formal & Business

36%

Science

25%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "numbers of children" is frequently used across various contexts, including news, business, and scientific domains. However, Ludwig AI points out that it is grammatically incorrect; the proper form is "number of children". While widely understood, opting for the grammatically correct version enhances clarity and credibility. Alternative phrases include "count of children" and "quantity of children". Always ensure your writing aligns with standard English conventions to maintain professionalism and accuracy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

number of children

Corrects the grammatical error by using the singular "number" instead of the plural "numbers".

count of children

Replaces "numbers" with "count", offering a grammatically sound alternative to express quantity.

quantity of children

Substitutes "numbers" with "quantity", another valid way to denote an amount.

large group of children

Emphasizes the size of the group rather than a specific numerical value.

high proportion of children

Focuses on the relative amount of children within a larger population.

significant population of children

Highlights the importance of the children's group within a given area or context.

growing cohort of children

Implies an increase in the number of children over a period of time.

increasing incidence among children

Used primarily when discussing diseases, conditions, or occurrences impacting children.

multitude of children

Emphasizes a very large and unspecified number of children.

host of children

Suggests a large and somewhat overwhelming number of children.

FAQs

Is "numbers of children" grammatically correct?

No, the grammatically correct form is "number of children". While "numbers of children" is frequently used, it is not considered standard English.

What's the difference between "numbers of children" and "number of children"?

The phrase "number of children" is grammatically correct and refers to the total count of children. "Numbers of children" is generally considered incorrect, although frequently used. Use "number of children" in formal writing.

What can I say instead of "numbers of children"?

You can use alternatives such as "number of children", "count of children", or "quantity of children".

When is it appropriate to use "number of children"?

Use "number of children" when referring to a specific count or total of children in any context, be it formal or informal. It's always the grammatically safe choice.