What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
counting
Example
I am counting the number of apples in the basket. [counting: present participle]
Example
Counting the money in the cash register is an important task for the cashier. [counting: gerund]
Example
She is counting her steps as part of her daily exercise routine. [counting: verb]
numbering
Example
The books on the shelf are numbered for easy reference. [numbered: past tense]
Example
Numbering the pages of a document makes it easier to navigate. [numbering: gerund]
Example
The seats in the theater are numbered for convenience. [numbered: past participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Counting is more commonly used in everyday language, while numbering is more commonly used in technical or professional contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between counting and numbering?
While counting is typically associated with a casual and informal tone, numbering is more formal and is often used in technical or professional contexts.
