how many

/haʊ ˈmeni/
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A question about the number of things.

Examples

  • Can you count how many chairs there are?
  • How many people live here?
  • How many apples do we need?
  • Tell me how many tickets you bought.
  • How many days are in a week?

Similar words

Meanings

Number of countable things

quantity
neutral
Used to ask or say the number of people or separate things.

Examples

  • How many apples do we need?
  • How many people live here?
  • Can you count how many chairs there are?
  • How many days are in a week?
  • Tell me how many tickets you bought.

Similar words

Etymology

How asks for a measure, and many refers to a number of separate items.

FAQ

What does how many ask?

It asks for a number of people or things.

Do I use how many with apples?

Yes. Apples can be counted one by one.

Can how many be followed by a singular noun?

Normally no. Use a plural countable noun, such as apples.

What is the difference between how many and how much?

How many asks for a number. How much asks for an amount or price.

Can how many be used inside a sentence?

Yes. For example, I know how many tickets we need.

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