What Does “Count sb among sth” Mean?
“Count sb among sth” means to consider someone as part of a particular group or category. It shows inclusion or recognition of a person within a group.
Introduction
The phrase “count sb among sth” is a common English expression used to show that someone is included in a specific group or category. When you say you count someone among a group, you are recognizing that person as part of that group, often because of shared qualities or status. Understanding the “count sb among sth meaning” helps learners use it naturally in conversations and writing. This phrase is useful when highlighting relationships or affiliations, such as counting someone among friends, experts, or supporters. It is a formal yet clear way to express inclusion without ambiguity.
Quick Info Box
- Phrasal verb: count sb among sth (count somebody among something)
- Type: Transitive
- Level: B2 (Upper-Intermediate)
- Short meaning: To consider someone as part of a group or category
Structure (Grammar Rules)
“Count sb among sth” is an inseparable transitive phrasal verb. It follows this pattern:
- Count + somebody (sb) + among + something (sth)
Example pattern:
- Count + me + among + the supporters
- Count + her + among + the best players
You cannot separate the verb and the preposition “among”.
How to Use “Count sb among sth”?
Use “count sb among sth” when you want to include a person in a group or category. It often shows respect or acknowledgment. Typically, it is used in formal or semi-formal contexts. The phrase helps emphasize that someone belongs to a particular group based on qualities, achievements, or opinions.
Examples of groups include friends, experts, leaders, supporters, or even more abstract categories like “the lucky ones” or “the brave.”
Examples
- I count you among my closest friends.
- She is counted among the top scientists in her field.
- We count him among the team’s key players.
- Many count her among the greatest writers of this century.
- Can I count you among those who support the new policy?
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: I count you in my friends.
Correct: I count you among my friends. - Incorrect: She counts among the best players.
Correct: She is counted among the best players. - Incorrect: Count me between the winners.
Correct: Count me among the winners.
Differences / Synonyms
Similar phrases include:
- Consider sb as sth: More general, can be used in many contexts.
Example: I consider her a good friend. - Include sb in sth: More about adding someone to a group actively.
Example: We included him in the project team. - Count on sb: Means to rely on someone, not to include.
“Count sb among sth” specifically means to recognize or list someone as part of a group, unlike “include,” which suggests action, or “consider,” which is broader.
Common Collocations
- Count sb among friends
- Count sb among experts
- Count sb among the best
- Count sb among supporters
- Count sb among the lucky ones
- Count sb among the leaders
Related Phrasal Verbs
Here are related phrasal verbs of count sb among sth:
Real-life Dialogue
Anna: Do you think John will join our club?
Ben: Definitely. I count him among the most dedicated members already.
Anna: That’s great! It’s good to have him on board.
Practice
Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the phrase:
- I ________ you ________ my closest friends.
- She is ________ among the best teachers in the school.
- Can you ________ me ________ those who will attend the meeting?
FAQs
- Q: Can “count sb among sth” be used in informal speech?
A: It is more common in formal or written English but can be used in polite conversation. - Q: Is “count sb among sth” separable?
A: No, the phrase is inseparable. - Q: Can “count sb among sth” be used with non-people?
A: Usually, it refers to people or groups but can sometimes include abstract categories. - Q: What is the difference between “count sb among sth” and “include sb in sth”?
A: “Count sb among sth” means to recognize someone as part of a group, while “include sb in sth” means to add someone to a group. - Q: Can I say “count me in” instead of “count me among”?
A: No, “count me in” means to join or participate, while “count me among” means to be considered part of a group.
