they number three

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they number three" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating the quantity of a group or items, often in a formal or literary context. Example: "In the box, they number three, each one representing a different aspect of the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

As usual, there are catalysts for this column; in this case they number three.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

They number forty or so, in a rough hierarchy, with Captain Henry (Domhnall Gleeson) just about keeping charge.

The New Yorker

They number five, one for each operation in the six years Baker spent away from professional tennis.

The New York Times - Sports

The beast is not made human by his beauties, whether they number eight, nine, or hundreds; he just becomes more of a beast.

The New Yorker

One text, the Varaha-purana, states that they number eight, including Yogeshvari, created out of the flame from Shiva's mouth.

Encyclopedia Britannica

John Doran's acclaimed memoir Jolly Lad, based on his long-running column MENK for VICE is available from STheyge Attractor Presse Attractor Press.

Vice

Since 1991 they number five: White ("branca"), Brown ("parda"), Black ("preta"), Yellow (amarela) and Indigenous ("indígena").

Plosone

When warriors from the famous Chinese terra cotta army buried with Emperor Qin Shi Huang (259-210 Bcameame to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art in 1987, they numbered three.

Los Angeles Times

He said they numbered six -- Chaplin, W. C. Fields, Buster Keaton, Groucho and Harpo Marx, and Peter Sellers -- not just Chaplin and Fields.

The New York Times

They numbered fourteen men, and were headed by one Allighan Kangany, who had followed Mr. Hill, his former master, from Ceylon.

Cornell University

They numbered six each, in 1810 increased to ten each.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "they number three" in formal writing or when aiming for a slightly elevated tone. In everyday conversation, consider using simpler alternatives like "there are three of them".

Common error

Avoid using "they number three" in informal contexts or when speaking. This phrase is better suited for written communication where a more formal tone is desired.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they number three" functions as a declarative statement expressing quantity. It uses "they" as a pronoun referring to a group and "number" as a verb indicating the count. As Ludwig points out, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they number three" is a grammatically correct, albeit somewhat formal, way to express that a group consists of three individuals or items. As indicated by Ludwig, this phrase is best suited for written communication, particularly in contexts such as News & Media, Encyclopedias and scientific writing where a more elevated tone is desired. While the phrase is not incorrect, simpler and more common alternatives like "there are three of them" are often preferred in everyday speech. Its relatively low frequency suggests that while usable, it might not be the first choice for many writers seeking clarity and directness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

there are three of them

Uses a more common and direct construction with "there are".

the total is three

Focuses on the sum or aggregate, rather than the individuals.

they amount to three

Emphasizes the final quantity after a process of accumulation.

they constitute three

Highlights their role in forming a larger whole.

their count is three

Uses a noun form to express the quantity.

they tally three

Implies a formal counting or calculation process.

they sum up to three

Similar to "they amount to three", but more colloquial.

a trio of them exists

Employs a more literary and less direct phrasing.

three is their number

Inverts the original structure, placing emphasis on the number itself.

the number of them is three

Rephrases to clarify that it's about the quantity of people.

FAQs

What does "they number three" mean?

The phrase "they number three" means that there are three individuals or items being referred to. It's a somewhat formal way of stating a quantity.

Is it correct to say "they number three"?

Yes, "they number three" is grammatically correct, although it's not the most common way to express this idea. It's more formal than saying "there are three of them".

What can I say instead of "they number three"?

You can use alternatives like "there are three", "the total is three", or "they are three in number", depending on the context.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use "they number three"?

The phrase "they number three" is most appropriate in formal writing or when aiming for a slightly elevated or literary tone. It would be less common in everyday conversation.