Understanding Numbers in English grammar is one of the most fundamental parts of learning the language. Whether forming plurals, describing quantity, identifying objects, or expressing order, Numbers play an indispensable role. For beginners, especially Hindi-speaking learners, the concept often becomes clearer when explained with simple examples and direct Hindi meanings. This comprehensive guide unravels the concept with clarity, depth, and practical usefulness—making learning both effortless and enjoyable.
1. Introduction to Numbers in English Grammar (परिचय)
In English grammar, Numbers help us express how many people, things, or ideas we are referring to. They indicate quantity (how much or how many) and position (order of items). Without Numbers, communication becomes vague, incomplete, and ambiguous.
Hindi Meaning:
Numbers का मतलब है — किसी वस्तु, व्यक्ति या विचार की संख्या या क्रम बताने वाले शब्द।
English learners frequently encounter Numbers in daily speech:
- “One book”
- “Two students”
- “First day”
- “Hundreds of people”
Each of these expressions holds a quantitative or positional meaning.
2. Why Learning Numbers Matters (क्यों ज़रूरी है)
A strong understanding of Numbers helps learners in:
- forming grammatically correct sentences
- improving accuracy in communication
- describing objects and events better
- using plural forms correctly
- strengthening foundational grammar skills
When beginners learn Numbers efficiently, their overall command of English improves noticeably. Their sentences sound clearer, more precise, and more structured.
3. Types of Numbers in English (Numbers के प्रकार)
Broadly, English grammar divides Numbers into two categories:
- Cardinal Numbers – Counting numbers
- Ordinal Numbers – Position or order numbers
Let us explore each type in detail with Hindi meanings and examples.
4. Cardinal Numbers (गणनात्मक संख्या)
Cardinal Numbers are used for counting people or objects. These are the very first Numbers learners memorize when beginning English.
Hindi Meaning:
Cardinal Numbers वे संख्या शब्द होते हैं जो “कितने” बताते हैं।
Examples include: One, Two, Three, Four, Ten, Hundred, Thousand, etc.
4.1 Common Cardinal Numbers with Hindi Meaning
| English | Hindi Meaning |
|---|---|
| One | एक |
| Two | दो |
| Three | तीन |
| Four | चार |
| Five | पाँच |
| Ten | दस |
| Twenty | बीस |
| Hundred | सौ |
| Thousand | हज़ार |
Cardinal Numbers answer the question “How many?”
For example:
- I have two pens. – मेरे पास दो पेन हैं।
- She bought five apples. – उसने पाँच सेब खरीदे।
4.2 Usage of Cardinal Numbers in Daily Sentences
- There are three students waiting outside.
– बाहर तीन छात्र इंतज़ार कर रहे हैं। - He wrote ten pages today.
– उसने आज दस पन्ने लिखे। - She has one brother and two sisters.
– उसके एक भाई और दो बहनें हैं। - They planted hundreds of trees.
– उन्होंने सैकड़ों पेड़ लगाए।
These sentences show how cardinal Numbers make everyday communication clearer and more specific.
5. Ordinal Numbers (क्रम-सूचक संख्या)
Ordinal Numbers indicate the position or rank of something.
Hindi Meaning:
Ordinal Numbers वे शब्द होते हैं जो किसी व्यक्ति या वस्तु का “क्रम” बताते हैं।
Examples: First, Second, Third, Fourth, Tenth, Twentieth, etc.
5.1 Common Ordinal Numbers with Hindi Meaning
| English | Hindi Meaning |
|---|---|
| First | पहला |
| Second | दूसरा |
| Third | तीसरा |
| Fourth | चौथा |
| Fifth | पाँचवाँ |
| Tenth | दसवाँ |
| Twentieth | बीसवाँ |
Numbers like these allow speakers to express sequence and order.
5.2 Usage of Ordinal Numbers in Daily Life
- She stood first in her class.
– वह अपनी कक्षा में पहली आई। - This is the second time I am calling you.
– मैं तुम्हें दूसरी बार कॉल कर रहा हूँ। - His house is on the third floor.
– उसका घर तीसरी मंज़िल पर है। - Today is the fourth meeting of the month.
– आज इस महीने की चौथी मीटिंग है।
Ordinal Numbers bring structure to descriptions involving rank, time, sequence, and placement.
6. Difference Between Cardinal and Ordinal Numbers
| Cardinal Numbers | Ordinal Numbers |
|---|---|
| Tell quantity | Tell position |
| Example: One, Two | Example: First, Second |
| Used for counting | Used for ranking/order |
| Answers “How many?” | Answers “Which one in order?” |
Understanding this distinction helps learners use Numbers correctly in speech and writing.
Example comparison:
- Three students → Quantity
- Third student → Position
7. Rules for Writing Numbers in English (महत्वपूर्ण नियम)
To use Numbers effectively, learners must be aware of basic grammatical rules. These rules make sentences coherent and professional.
7.1 Numbers in Words vs. Digits
When to write in words:
- Small Numbers (usually 1–10)
- Beginning of sentences
- Formal writing
Example:
- “Three people attended the meeting.”
- “Seven days are left.”
When to use digits:
- Large Numbers
- Dates
- Addresses
- Percentages
- Statistics
Example:
- 120 students
- 25% discount
- 2025 (year)
7.2 Hyphenated Numbers
Compound Numbers between 21–99 that are not multiples of 10 take a hyphen.
Examples:
- Twenty-one – इक्कीस
- Forty-five – पैंतालीस
- Sixty-eight – अड़सठ
This rule helps maintain clarity and standardization in writing.
7.3 Plural Form with Measurements
When expressing measurements, certain Numbers follow a singular noun even though the quantity is plural.
Examples:
- A five-minute break (not “five-minutes break”)
- A two-hour meeting
- A three-day trip
However:
- The break lasted five minutes.
- We waited two hours.
The noun becomes singular only when Numbers precede the noun as a compound modifier.
7.4 Comma Usage in Large Numbers
For readability, commas are used in large Numbers.
Examples:
- 1,000
- 25,000
- 1,50,000 (Indian style)
- 150,000 (International style)
Beginners should familiarize themselves with both formats, as English content may follow either.
8. Collective Use of Numbers (सामूहिक प्रयोग)
Sometimes Numbers are used in expressions that refer to approximate or collective quantities.
Examples:
- Dozens of people – दर्जनों लोग
- Hundreds of birds – सैकड़ों पक्षी
- Thousands of fans – हजारों प्रशंसक
Such usages add depth and emphasis to statements.
9. Fractions and Decimals (भिन्न और दशमलव)
9.1 Fractions (भिन्न)
Fractions combine Numbers to express parts of a whole.
Examples:
- 1/2 – One-half – आधा
- 1/3 – One-third – एक-तिहाई
- 3/4 – Three-fourths – तीन-चौथाई
Usage:
- He drank half a glass of milk.
- They completed three-fourths of the work.
9.2 Decimals (दशमलव)
Decimals express precise numerical values.
Examples:
- 1.5 – One point five
- 3.75 – Three point seven five
Usage:
- The distance is 4.5 kilometers.
- The price increased by 2.75%.
Learning fractions and decimals helps learners handle mathematical and scientific contexts in English.
10. Numbers in Plurals (बहुवचन में Numbers का प्रयोग)
When Numbers come before countable nouns, the noun is always in plural form (except when used as modifiers, discussed earlier).
Examples:
- Two chairs
- Five books
- Ten ideas
Incorrect:
- Two chair
- Five book
Correct pluralization is essential for grammatical accuracy.
11. Numbers in Idiomatic Expressions (मुहावरे और अभिव्यक्तियाँ)
English includes many idioms that incorporate Numbers, making speech more colorful and expressive.
Common Number Idioms with Meanings:
- At the eleventh hour – अंतिम समय पर
- Once in a blue moon – बहुत कम, शायद ही कभी
- One in a million – बहुत विशेष व्यक्ति
- On cloud nine – अत्यधिक खुश
- Back to square one – शुरुआत पर वापस
Idioms demonstrate how Numbers add nuance and personality to communication.
12. Common Mistakes Beginners Make
Beginners often make predictable errors when using Numbers, especially when switching between Hindi and English structures.
Mistake 1: Confusing Cardinal and Ordinal Numbers
Wrong: She is two in the list.
Correct: She is second in the list.
Mistake 2: Incorrect plural usage
Wrong: Five box
Correct: Five boxes
Mistake 3: Wrong placement of hyphens
Wrong: Thirty five
Correct: Thirty-five
Mistake 4: Using digits at sentence start
Wrong: 10 students came late.
Correct: Ten students came late.
Awareness of these errors helps reduce confusion and strengthens fluency.
13. Practical Exercises for Mastery (अभ्यास प्रश्न)
Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks with correct Cardinal Numbers
- I bought ___ apples.
- There are ___ days in a week.
- She has ___ notebooks.
Exercise 2: Rewrite using Ordinal Numbers
- This is my (1) attempt.
- Today is my (3) day at work.
- She won the (2) prize.
Exercise 3: Write the following in words
- 57
- 103
- 21
- 1,350
Exercise 4: Convert into digits
- Twenty-nine
- Four hundred
- Two thousand five
- Ninety-four
Consistent practice strengthens understanding and ensures quick recall.
14. Advanced Tips to Use Numbers Naturally
Tip 1: Read English newspapers daily
They provide real-life examples of Numbers used in statistics, news, sports, and business.
Tip 2: Practice speaking with measurements
Example:
- “I walked 3 kilometers today.”
- “The room is 10 feet wide.”
Tip 3: Listen to English podcasts
Speakers often use Numbers naturally, helping learners absorb patterns.
Tip 4: Observe number-based structures in instructions
Cooking recipes, manuals, and travel guides frequently use Numbers like:
- “Boil for 5 minutes.”
- “Take exit 3.”
Exposure helps develop confidence and fluency.
