How to Talk About Numbers and Counting in English: Common Expressions and Phrases


Introduction 🔢

Numbers are everywhere in our daily lives! From shopping to telling time, understanding how to express numbers in English is essential. Let’s explore common expressions and phrases used when talking about numbers and counting in English!

Basic Expressions 📊

  • digit / number / figure
  • sum / total / amount
  • calculation / computation
  • quantity / value
  • count / tally
  • estimate / approximation

Mathematical Operations

  • add / plus / addition
  • subtract / minus / subtraction
  • multiply / times / multiplication
  • divide / division
  • equals / equals to / is equal to

Useful Expressions and Examples ➕

When Talking About Calculations

Example 1: “Could you double-check these numbers?”

“Let me run the numbers again.”

When Estimating

Example 2: “There were roughly a hundred people.”

“It costs approximately twenty dollars.”

When Counting

Example 3: “Let’s count backwards from ten.”

“Can you count by twos?”

Conversation Examples 🗣️

At a Store

A: “How many items do you have?”

B: “Let me count… one, two, three… I have seven items.”

A: “The limit is ten items, so that’s fine!”

In a Math Class

A: “What’s eight times seven?”

B: “Let me calculate… it’s fifty-six.”

A: “That’s correct!”

B: “Math is getting easier with practice.”

Grammar Points 📝

Using Numbers with Countable Nouns

  1. Singular (one) Example: “one apple”

  2. Plural (two or more) Example: “two apples”

  3. Zero Example: “zero apples”

Common Mistakes ❌

Incorrect: “I have five apple.” Correct: “I have five apples.”

Incorrect: “It costs hundred dollars.” Correct: “It costs a hundred dollars.”

Talking About Large Numbers

  • “It’s in the thousands.”
  • “That’s a six-figure sum.”
  • “The numbers are off the charts.”

Expressing Estimates

  • “More or less”
  • “Give or take”
  • “Roughly speaking”
  • “Ballpark figure”

Counting Sequences

  • “Count up”
  • “Count down”
  • “Skip counting”
  • “Count by twos/threes/etc.”

Mathematical Terms 📐

Basic Operations

  • plus (+)
  • minus (-)
  • times (×)
  • divided by (÷)
  • equals (=)

Number Types

  • whole numbers
  • fractions
  • decimals
  • percentages
  • negative numbers

Phone Number Expressions 📱

Example: “My phone number is double-five, three, triple-eight, four.”

“The area code is four-one-five.”

Prices and Money 💰

Example: “That’s ninety-nine cents.”

“It costs twelve dollars and fifty cents.”

Summary 🎓

Key Points to Remember

  1. Learn basic number vocabulary
  2. Practice counting sequences
  3. Master mathematical operations
  4. Understand how to express estimates

Remember to use appropriate plural forms with numbers, and practice saying large numbers out loud!

These expressions will help you discuss numbers and quantities confidently in English conversations.

Keep practicing with numbers in real-life situations to improve your skills!




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