Identifying categories

Often categories are written on charts, graphs and diagrams in note form, and you will have to add words like prepositions, articles, or even change the words to be able to use the categories from the chart in your sentences. Introduce the category with the word number, amount or level.

• Use the + amount + of + uncountable noun + singular verb: The amount of carbon dioxide in the air has increased.
• Use the + number + of + plural noun + singular verb: The number of people unemployed rose sharply.
• For human activities, such as for instance smoking, use the + level + of + noun + singular verb: The level of fast food consumption has increased.