A Number Of Vs The Number Of : Common Confusion in IELTS Grammar

Preparing for the IELTS exam requires you to get familiar with advanced grammar topics such as ‘A Number Of Vs The Number Of’. This will help you to describe the quantity of something. Although these seem similar, they differ in grammatical structures which can create confusion while affecting your band score in the grammatical range and accuracy criterion of the IELTS Exam. Therefore, you must identify and know how to use them correctly.

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What is the Difference Between A Number Of Vs The Number Of?

While preparing to excel in IELTS Grammar, knowing the difference between “A Number Of” and “The Number Of” will help to know about the correct grammar usage and coherence.  While speaking or writing, these two collocations can create confusion which is quite common, but by understanding the difference in meaning and grammatical structure, you will be guided to their correct use.

The table below depicts the main differences between ‘a number of’ and ‘the number of’.

How to Avoid Common Confusion for ‘A Number Of Vs The Number Of’?

Understanding not only the correct usage but typical errors that you might make would help prevent you from repeating the same mistakes in your IELTS Speaking & Writing answers. Let’s look at the common confusion which will help you to avoid them while boosting your confidence.

• “The number of students are increasing.”

• “A number of people is concerned about climate change.”

• “A number of water resources is being depleted.”

Exercise on ‘A Number Of Vs The Number Of’

Now that you know the grammar rules for ‘A Number Of Vs The Number Of,’ it is time to assess your understanding. As you go through the exercise below, be keen to attend to the context so that your responses should be grammatically correct. Let us continue to exercise to help further strengthen your knowledge and skills.

1 __________ students are interested in taking IELTS this year.

2 __________ applications for the scholarship have increased compared to last year.

3 __________ books on climate change are there in the library for research purposes.

4 __________ teleworking employees have grown tremendously since the beginning of the pandemic.

5 __________ tourists in the city during summer every year.

6 __________ accidents reported on this highway are alarmingly high.

7 __________ people are environmentally concerned today.

8 __________ participants in the workshop have already submitted their assignments.

9 __________ vehicles on the road are contributing to air pollution increase.

10 __________ committee members are accountable for approving new policies.

Answers for the Exercise on ‘A Number Of Vs The Number Of’ 

Now, we will review the correct answers; however, pay close attention to the reason-making of each one. Being enlightened on why an answer is correct will, in return, stop you from repeating the same mistakes. 

1. A number of
2. The number of
3. A number of
4. The number of
5. A number of
6. The number of
7. A number of
8. A number of
9. A number of
10. The number of

Learning how to use "a number of" and "the number of" could be immensely advantageous for your speaking & IELTS Writing sections. Not only would it elevate your grasp of advanced grammar topics accurately, but it would also help you express ideas clearly and coherently. Therefore, understand the difference and excel in your exam in no time.

Also Check: 

• IELTS Exam Preparation Tips for Band Score of 8+
• How Do I Prepare My Grammar for the IELTS Examination 2025?
• Advanced Grammar: Comparison Structures to Boost IELTS Writing Band 7+
• How to Improve Your Grammar for IELTS?