Lesson 34 – Statistics

First, let’s clarify the difference between “number” and “amount” – we use “number” with countable
nouns, and “amount” with uncountable nouns.

A large number of people

A massive amount of damage
A significant number of countries
A considerable amount of money
A tiny number of computers
A miniscule amount of alcohol

Numbers and statistics can increase or decrease (more formal), rise or fall (also formal) or go up and go
down (more informally). When a number goes up or down very fast, we can describe this as sharp or
dramatic – for example, the sudden improvement in the economy has resulted in a dramatic drop in
unemployment and a sharp rise in consumer spending. When a number goes up or down slowly, then
we can talk about a gradual increase in population or a slow decline in the number of violent crimes.
And if a number doesn’t change, then it remains steady or remains constant.

We use the word “widespread” to describe something that is happening frequently in many places. For
example, there being widespread dissatisfaction with the government, or a new book winning
widespread acclaim in the literary world. A hurricane can cause widespread damage, and a presidential
candidate can have widespread support among voters of a certain demographic.

In conversational English, we often use the structure keep + -ING to describe something that happens
frequently. For example,

“I’m trying to work, but my colleagues keep interrupting me.”

“Why do you keep asking me about the problem? I’ve told you a thousand times I don’t know
how to solve it.”

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Lesson 34 – Quiz
Choose the best word to complete this opinion letter in a magazine:

The heavy / sharp rise in obesity is a major cause for concern. A significant / steady percentage of
adults are now overweight, and the amount / number of children with weight problems is also getting
up / going up. This crisis is partly due to the overall / widespread consumption of processed foods with
high amounts / numbers of fat and sugar. We're exposed to an excessive amount / number of
advertisements that keep / stay encouraging us to consume more and more food with less and less
nutritional value.

Other contributing factors to the obesity epidemic include a gradual / low increase in portion sizes and a
drop / lack in the average amount / number of physical exercise practiced by the population. A short /
miniscule number of kids nowadays play sports; instead, they prefer to spend a considerable /
conventional amount of time in front of computers, TVs, and video games.

Health problems caused by excess weight have resulted in a dramatic / vivid increase in health care
costs, and although the life expectancy has remained reliable / steady over the past 30 years, we can
expect to see a decay / decline if the trend of over-eating and under-exercising continues.

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