Number sb among sth Meaning / Examples / How to Use

What Does “Number sb among sth” Mean?

“Number sb among sth” means to consider or include someone as part of a particular group or category.

Introduction

The phrase “number sb among sth” is often used to express that a person is regarded as part of a specific group, list, or category. For example, if you number someone among your friends, you consider that person one of your friends. The phrase is formal and commonly found in written English, such as articles, essays, and speeches. Understanding the “number sb among sth” meaning helps learners recognize when someone is being included or classified within a group. This phrase is useful for clear and precise communication, especially when discussing people’s roles, qualities, or affiliations.

Quick Info Box

• Phrasal verb: number sb among sth (number somebody among something)
• Type: Transitive
• Level: B2–C1
• Meaning: To consider or include someone as part of a group or category

Structure (Grammar Rules)

“Number sb among sth” is an inseparable phrase. The structure follows this pattern:

• Number + somebody (sb) + among + something (sth)

For example:

• They number him among the top players.
• We number her among our most trusted advisors.

You cannot separate “number” and “among” with other words.

How to Use “Number sb among sth”?

Use this phrase when you want to officially or formally include someone within a group or category. It often appears in contexts involving evaluation, classification, or recognition. It is common in academic writing, formal speeches, and professional settings.

Examples of contexts:

• Discussing someone’s qualities
• Listing members of a team or group
• Recognizing individuals in awards or honors

Examples

Here are some natural examples of “number sb among sth in a sentence”:

• Many critics number her among the greatest contemporary artists.
• The company numbers him among its leading innovators.
• We number that athlete among the best in the world.
• Historians number him among the most influential leaders of his time.
• They number the novel among the classics of modern literature.

Common Mistakes

People sometimes misuse the phrase by separating “number” and “among” or by using it in informal speech incorrectly.

• Incorrect: They number him the best players among the team.
• Correct: They number him among the best players on the team.
• Incorrect: I number her in my friends.
• Correct: I number her among my friends.

Remember, “among” must follow “number sb” directly to keep the phrase correct.

Differences / Synonyms

Similar phrases include “count sb among sth” and “consider sb as sth.” However, there are subtle differences:

• Count sb among sth: Informal equivalent, often interchangeable with “number sb among sth,” but less formal.
• Consider sb as sth: Broader, used for opinions or judgments, not always implying formal inclusion.

Example:

• They count her among their best players. (Informal, similar meaning)
• They consider her a great player. (Opinion, not necessarily formal inclusion)

Common Collocations

Here are common objects used with “number sb among sth” and their meanings:

• Among the best: Included in the top group
• Among the leaders: Considered one of the main figures
• Among the favorites: Regarded as a preferred choice
• Among the pioneers: Recognized as an early and important contributor
• Among the friends: Counted as part of a close group

Related Phrasal Verbs

Here are related phrasal verbs of number sb among sth:

• Number Sth Among Sth

Real-life Dialogue

Here is a short conversation using “number sb among sth”:

Anna: Do you think we should number Sarah among the team leaders?

Mike: Absolutely. She has done a great job managing projects this year.

Anna: I agree. Let’s mention her in the report.

Practice

Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the phrase:

• Many experts _______ him _______ the greatest scientists of the century.
• We _______ her _______ our trusted advisors.
• They _______ the book _______ the best novels of the decade.

FAQs

• Q: Can “number sb among sth” be used in casual conversation?

  A: It is more formal and better suited for writing or formal speech.

• Q: Is “number sb among sth” separable?

  A: No, the phrase is inseparable; “among” must follow “number sb” directly.
• Q: What is the difference between “number sb among sth” and “count sb among sth”?

  A: “Count sb among sth” is less formal but means the same thing.

• Q: Can “number sb among sth” refer to negative groups?

  A: Yes, it can refer to any group or category, positive or negative.
• Q: Is “number sb among sth” only for people?

  A: No, it can also be used for objects, ideas, or concepts.