small in number
Describing a low quantity
Use this pattern to describe groups with few members.
The audience was small in number but enthusiastic.
“In number” or “of number”?
“In number” is a standard expression used when counting or comparing quantities. “Of number” is not normally idiomatic except in special technical or literary contexts.
Quick answer
Which form is standard?
Use “in number” to refer to quantity or numerical amount, especially after adjectives such as “large” or “small.” “Of number” is generally not a natural modern English phrase.
The students were small in number.
Errors increased in number after the update.
Errors increased in number after the update.
Choose the pattern by meaning
These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.
large in number
Describing a high quantity
This expression emphasizes many people or things.
The applicants were large in number this year.
increase in number
Talking about growth in quantity
Use this pattern for numerical growth.
Online complaints increased in number during the outage.
See the difference in context
The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.
Construction
Example
Meaning
in number
The committee is small in number.
refers to quantity or size
of number
The phrase “of number” is generally nonstandard in modern English.
not an idiomatic alternative to “in number”
number of
A large number of guests attended.
common quantifying expression
increase in number
The cases increased in number.
growth in quantity
Common mistakes
Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.
Using “of number” for quantity
Modern English normally uses “in number.”
✕ The group was small of number. ✓ The group was small in number.Confusing “in number” and “number of”
They have different grammar patterns.
✕ A large in number guests arrived. ✓ A large number of guests arrived.Quick practice
Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.
1. The villages are small ___ but historically important.
2. There was a sharp increase ___ after the storm.
3. A large ___ employees attended the meeting.
Check your sentence in context
Paste the complete sentence below. Linguix checks the preposition together with grammar, spelling, punctuation, and style.
Free to try · No signup required
Frequently asked questions
What does “in number” mean?
It refers to the quantity or amount of people or things.
Is “of number” correct?
Usually no in modern standard English. “In number” is the normal expression.
Can I use “number of” instead?
Yes, but the grammar changes. “A number of employees” is a quantifying phrase, while “large in number” is descriptive.
Related preposition guides
Write with confidence in Linguix
Create a free account to check complete texts, apply suggestions, and save your documents.
