Commonly Confused Words: amount vs. number

[green_grrl]

Today's commonly confused words are amount and number. Both refer to quantity, but which should be used when?

For example, should Harry Potter say, "I can't believe the amount of people crammed into the common room for this party" or "I can't believe the number of people crammed into the common room for this party"?

Comments

[theidolhands]

This post has enlightened me to something I'd previously not considered and was fun to read. Thank you!

[green_grrl]

I'm glad it was helpful and entertaining!

[garonne]

This was great, thanks. I had never even thought about the difference between amount and number before.

[green_grrl]

I'm glad we were able to give you new info!