numbering

Meanings

1. 1noununcountable

   The act or system of giving numbers to things so they can be put in order or identified.

   Grammar: Usually uncountable: the numbering of pages. Countable only for a type of system: two different numberings.

   Patterns

   • the numbering of something
   • a numbering system

   The numbering of the pages stops after the appendix.

   The numbering system for the seats is confusing.

   Check the numbering before you print the list.

2. 2verbtransitive

   Present participle of number: giving numbers to things, or adding up to a total.

   Grammar: Takes an object when giving numbers: she is numbering the pages. With a total, it follows: they are numbering over a thousand.

   Patterns

   • numbering something
   • numbering over a hundred

   She is numbering each invoice by hand.

   The crowd, numbering about two thousand, filled the square.

Common combinations

page numbering

Word can set page numbering to start on page three.

numbering system

Each country has its own phone numbering system.

automatic numbering

Turn on automatic numbering for the list.

consecutive numbering

The tickets use consecutive numbering.

numbering scheme

The library has a clear numbering scheme for its shelves.

Synonyms and how they differ

enumeration

Enumeration is formal and means listing items one by one, while numbering means attaching numbers.

numeration

Numeration is technical and refers to the system of expressing numbers, while numbering is the everyday word.

labeling

Labeling can use names or colors as well, whereas numbering uses only numbers.

Word family

number noun

a figure used to count

number verb

to give a number to something

numbered adjective

marked with numbers

numberless adjective

too many to count

Commonly confused: numbering or numeration?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “numbering”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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