Is "number sth among sth" formal or informal?

It is more formal and often used in written or professional contexts.

Can I say "number sth in sth" instead?

No, the correct phrase is "number sth among sth" to show inclusion in a group.

What does "number" mean here?

It means to count or classify something as part of a group.

Can "number" be used alone?

Yes, but without "among" it has a different meaning, usually just counting.

Is this phrase common in daily conversation?

It is less common in casual speech but useful in formal writing and discussion.

Number sth among sth Meaning / Examples / How to Use

What Does “Number sth among sth” Mean?

“Number sth among sth” means to consider or classify something as part of a particular group or category. It shows how something ranks or is counted within a set.

Introduction

The phrase “number sth among sth” is used to express that an item or person is included within a specific group or category. The “sth” stands for “something,” which means you can replace it with any noun. For example, if you say, “She numbers him among her friends,” it means she considers him one of her friends. This phrase helps to clarify how things or people are grouped or ranked in different contexts. Understanding the “number sth among sth” meaning can improve your ability to describe relationships and classifications clearly in English.

Quick Info Box

Phrasal verb: number something among something
Type: transitive
Level: B2
Short meaning: to consider or classify something as part of a group

Structure (Grammar Rules)

“Number sth among sth” is a fixed phrase and is inseparable. The structure follows this pattern:

Subject + number + object (something) + among + object (group/category)
Example: They number her among the top players.

Since it is inseparable, you cannot place words between “number” and “among.”

How to Use “Number sth among sth”?

Use “number sth among sth” when you want to express that something or someone is considered part of a group or ranked within a category. This phrase is often used in formal or written English, especially when discussing rankings, classifications, or opinions about belonging.

It is commonly followed by a noun or noun phrase representing the group. For example, “number him among the best candidates” or “number the city among the safest places.”

Examples

Here are some natural examples to help you understand “number sth among sth in a sentence”:

Many experts number this novel among the greatest works of literature.
She numbers her colleagues among her closest friends.
The company is numbered among the leaders in the technology sector.
He is numbered among the top athletes in the country.
We number this event among the most memorable experiences of our lives.

Common Mistakes

People often confuse the word order or use “number” without “among,” which changes the meaning.

Incorrect: They number her the top players.
Correct: They number her among the top players.
Incorrect: She numbers among her friends him.
Correct: She numbers him among her friends.

Differences / Synonyms

Similar phrases include “count among,” “rank among,” and “consider as.” While all express classification or inclusion, “number sth among sth” often implies formal or official grouping.

Count among: More common in everyday speech, e.g., “I count you among my friends.”
Rank among: Focuses on position or level, e.g., “She ranks among the best.”
Consider as: Broader meaning, e.g., “He is considered a leader.”

Use “number sth among sth” when emphasizing official classification or inclusion within a group.

Common Collocations

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

Number someone among friends: To consider someone as a friend.
Number something among achievements: To classify something as an achievement.
Number a place among the best: To rank a location as one of the best.
Number a company among leaders: To list a company as a leader in its field.

Related Phrasal Verbs

Here are related phrasal verbs of number sth among sth:

Number Sb Among Sth

Real-life Dialogue

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

Anna: Did you know they number our town among the safest in the country?

Tom: Really? That’s great news! It makes me feel more secure living here.

Anna: Yes, the local police have done an excellent job.

Practice

Try filling in the blanks with the correct form of the phrase:

The critics __________ this film __________ the best of the year.
She __________ her mentors __________ the most influential people in her life.
Our company is __________ the top innovators __________ the industry.

FAQs

Q: Is “number sth among sth” formal or informal?
A: It is more formal and often used in written or professional contexts.
Q: Can I say “number sth in sth” instead?
A: No, the correct phrase is “number sth among sth” to show inclusion in a group.
Q: What does “number” mean here?
A: It means to count or classify something as part of a group.
Q: Can “number” be used alone?
A: Yes, but without “among” it has a different meaning, usually just counting.
Q: Is this phrase common in daily conversation?
A: It is less common in casual speech but useful in formal writing and discussion.