Meaning & use
six
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Meanings
number
The number 6; one more than five.
Grammar: Used before a noun (six apples) or alone as a pronoun (I have six).
Patterns
- six of something
- six something
She has six brothers and sisters.
There are six eggs left in the fridge.
Six of the students failed the test.
nouncountable
The number 6, or something numbered 6, such as a playing card, bus, or size.
Grammar: Can be plural: sixes.
Patterns
- a six
- the six
He rolled a six and moved his piece.
I'll take the number six bus.
She wears a size six shoe.
Common combinations
- six o'clock
- We'll meet at six o'clock.
- six feet
- He is six feet tall.
- six-pack
- He bought a six-pack of beer.
- at sixes and sevens
- After the move, everything was at sixes and sevens.
Synonyms and how they differ
- half a dozen
- Means exactly six, but is more informal and often used approximately.
Word family
- sixth adjective
- Coming after the fifth.
- sixteen number
- The number 16.
- sixty number
- The number 60.
- sixfold adjective
- Six times as much.
Commonly confused: six or sex?
six vs sex
Sex means biological category or sexual activity; six is the number.
Practice
Choose the correct sentence.
Choose one answer.
Six is used directly before a plural noun without 'of' or 'a'. 'Six of apples' is wrong because 'of' is used with a specific group (six of the apples). 'Sixes' is plural and not used before nouns. 'A six' is singular and cannot modify a plural noun.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “six”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.