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B1 Verb (3rd person singular) / Noun (plural) #37 most common 13 min read

counts

Top 37

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips counts in 30 Seconds

Explanation counts in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'counts' is primarily understood as the action of saying numbers in order: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. It is the third-person singular form of the verb 'count.' For example, if a boy is playing with his toys, we say, 'He counts his cars.' This is a very basic and literal use of the word. It is also used in simple games like Hide and Seek, where one person 'counts' to ten while others hide. At this stage, learners should focus on the 's' at the end of the word when talking about one person (he, she, or a name). It is a simple action word that helps describe basic activities involving numbers. Learners might also see it in simple classroom instructions like 'The teacher counts the students.' The focus is entirely on the physical or vocal act of numbering items. There is no abstract meaning like 'importance' at this level. It is purely about 1, 2, 3... and so on. Understanding this basic form is the first step toward using the word in more complex ways later on. Simple sentences and clear contexts are best for A1 learners to grasp this word.

At the A2 level, learners begin to see 'counts' used in slightly more varied contexts, though still mostly literal. It is used to describe counting money or objects in a more functional way. For example, 'The shopkeeper counts the money at the end of the day.' Here, it is not just saying numbers but performing a task. A2 learners might also encounter the very common phrase 'It counts.' This is the first step into the abstract meaning of the word. In a simple game, a child might say, 'That point counts!' to mean it is a good point and should be added to the score. This introduces the idea of validity. Learners should also be aware of the plural noun 'counts' in very simple contexts, like 'The counts were wrong,' meaning the totals were incorrect. However, the focus remains on the verb form. The idea that 'every person counts' might be introduced in a simple social context to mean everyone is important. This level builds on the A1 foundation by adding the concept of validity and the very beginning of 'importance.' It is still very concrete and easy to visualize.

At the B1 level, the word 'counts' becomes much more versatile and is used frequently in its abstract sense. This is the level where the meaning 'to be important' or 'to have value' becomes central. Phrases like 'Every vote counts' or 'It's the thought that counts' are common. B1 learners should understand that 'counts' can describe the significance of an action. For example, 'Experience counts for a lot in this job.' This means experience is very valuable. The word is also used in the phrase 'counts as,' which is very important for B1 students. 'This class counts as a science credit.' This means the class is accepted as a science requirement. In terms of the noun form, B1 learners might start to hear 'counts' in news reports, particularly 'vote counts' during an election. They should also be comfortable with the medical use, such as 'blood counts,' which they might encounter in health-related readings. The B1 level is where the word moves from a simple math action to a way of expressing value, validity, and professional data. It is a key word for participating in everyday discussions about work, school, and social issues.

At the B2 level, 'counts' is used with more precision in professional and formal contexts. Learners should be very familiar with the legal use of the word 'counts' as a plural noun meaning specific charges in a court case. For example, 'The defendant was convicted on five counts of fraud.' This is a standard term in legal English. In academic writing, B2 students might use 'counts' to discuss the significance of data: 'This evidence counts against the theory.' Here, it means the evidence provides an argument against something. The word is also used in more complex idiomatic expressions like 'on all counts,' meaning in every way. 'The project was a failure on all counts.' B2 learners should also be able to distinguish between 'counts' and similar words like 'accounts' or 'amounts' without confusion. They understand the nuance that 'counts' often implies a single instance that contributes to a larger whole. In a professional setting, a B2 speaker might say, 'What counts most in this company is results,' showing a sophisticated use of the word to define corporate values. The word is now a tool for detailed analysis and formal reporting.

At the C1 level, the word 'counts' is used with high-level nuance and in specialized fields. In legal and political discourse, 'counts' is used to analyze complex indictments or electoral processes with great detail. A C1 learner understands the implications of 'multiple counts' and how they affect sentencing. In scientific research, 'counts' is used to refer to precise measurements of particles, cells, or occurrences, often in the context of statistical significance. For example, 'The photon counts were recorded at millisecond intervals.' The abstract verbal use is also more sophisticated, often appearing in philosophical or high-level social commentary: 'In the final analysis, it is the moral integrity of the leader that counts.' C1 learners also recognize the historical use of 'counts' as a title of nobility and can navigate texts where this meaning is relevant. They are also adept at using the word in rhetorical devices, such as 'Every second counts in the fight against climate change,' where the word is used to create a sense of urgency and gravity. At this level, the word is fully integrated into a wide range of registers, from the highly technical to the deeply metaphorical.

At the C2 level, mastery of 'counts' involves a complete understanding of its historical, legal, medical, and metaphorical depths. A C2 speaker or writer uses 'counts' effortlessly in complex sentence structures and is aware of its most subtle connotations. They might use it in legal theory to discuss the 'merger of counts' or in advanced statistics to discuss 'frequency counts' and their distribution. The word is used to express the finest shades of meaning in literature and high-level journalism. For example, 'The author's use of imagery counts for much of the novel's haunting atmosphere.' Here, 'counts for' is used to attribute a significant portion of an effect to a specific cause. C2 learners are also aware of rare or archaic uses and can appreciate wordplay involving the different meanings of 'counts.' They understand how the word functions in the 'grand scheme of things,' where 'what counts' is a matter of profound philosophical debate. At this level, 'counts' is not just a word but a versatile instrument for precise, evocative, and authoritative communication across all possible domains of human knowledge and experience.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

counts in 30 Seconds

As a verb, 'counts' refers to the act of numbering objects or the quality of being important and significant in a given situation.
As a noun, 'counts' is the plural form of 'count,' used for totals, legal charges, or measurements of cells and particles.
Common idioms include 'it's the thought that counts' and 'every second counts,' both emphasizing the value of small or abstract things.
In professional fields like law and medicine, 'counts' is a technical term for specific accusations or laboratory results like blood cell levels.

The word 'counts' is a remarkably versatile term in the English language, serving as both the third-person singular present form of the verb 'to count' and the plural form of the noun 'count.' At its most fundamental level, 'counts' refers to the act of determining the total number of items in a collection. For example, a librarian counts the books returned each day to ensure the inventory is accurate. However, the word's utility extends far beyond simple arithmetic. In a more abstract and frequently used sense, 'counts' means to be significant, to matter, or to have value. When someone says, 'It is the thought that counts,' they are emphasizing that the intention behind an action is more important than the material result. This usage is common in social contexts, personal relationships, and motivational speaking, where the focus is on the quality or impact of an action rather than its quantity.

Numerical Verb: The cashier counts the change carefully before handing it to the customer to avoid any errors in the transaction.

In a close election, every single vote counts toward the final result, proving that individual actions have collective power.

Furthermore, 'counts' functions as a plural noun in specific professional fields. In the legal system, a 'count' refers to a specific charge in an indictment. If a person is accused of three different instances of theft, they face three 'counts' of larceny. In the medical field, 'counts' often refers to the measurement of specific components in a substance, most notably in 'blood counts,' which measure red cells, white cells, and platelets. This medical data is crucial for diagnosing infections, anemia, or other health conditions. In historical and social contexts, 'counts' can also refer to the plural of the noble title 'Count,' a rank of nobility in various European countries. While less common in modern daily conversation, it appears frequently in historical literature and discussions of European aristocracy. Understanding these diverse applications—from the courtroom to the clinic, and from the bank to the heart—is essential for mastering the word 'counts.' Whether you are discussing the significance of a gesture or the specifics of a legal case, 'counts' provides the necessary precision to convey importance and quantity simultaneously.

Legal Noun: The defendant was found guilty on all four counts of conspiracy and fraud after a lengthy trial.

The doctor reviewed the patient's blood counts to see if the medication was working effectively.

In summary, 'counts' is a word that bridges the gap between the concrete world of numbers and the abstract world of value. It is used by scientists to quantify data, by lawyers to define charges, and by everyday people to express what truly matters in life. Its frequency in both formal and informal English makes it a cornerstone of effective communication.

Using 'counts' correctly requires an understanding of its grammatical role as either a verb or a noun. As a verb, 'counts' is the third-person singular present indicative form. This means it follows subjects like 'he,' 'she,' 'it,' or singular nouns. For example, 'She counts the days until her vacation.' In this context, it describes a repetitive action of numbering. Another vital verbal use is the idiomatic 'counts as,' which means to be regarded as or to satisfy a requirement. For instance, 'This internship counts as work experience on your resume.' This is particularly useful in academic and professional settings where certain activities fulfill specific criteria.

Academic Requirement: Taking this advanced mathematics course counts as a prerequisite for the engineering program next semester.

When you are trying to lose weight, every calorie counts, so it is important to track what you eat.

When 'counts' is used as a noun, it is the plural form of 'count.' In a legal context, it is used to list multiple specific accusations. A sentence might read, 'The jury is deliberating on ten counts of embezzlement.' Here, 'counts' is a countable noun. In medical contexts, it is often used in the plural to refer to various measurements within a lab report, such as 'white cell counts' and 'platelet counts.' It is also used in the phrase 'on all counts,' which means in every respect or regarding every point mentioned. For example, 'The new policy was a success on all counts.' In the world of sports and games, 'counts' is used to determine if a move or a score is valid. A referee might shout, 'The basket counts!' if the ball went through the hoop before the buzzer sounded. Conversely, if a foul occurred, they might say, 'The goal doesn't count.' This usage is vital for anyone following or participating in competitive activities. In literature and history, you might encounter 'counts' as a plural noun referring to noblemen. 'The counts from the neighboring provinces gathered for the king's coronation.' This specific usage is less common today but remains important for reading comprehension.

Sports Validity: The umpire ruled that the run counts because the runner touched home plate before the tag was made.

He was acquitted on two counts of assault but found guilty on the third.

Mastery of 'counts' involves recognizing whether it is acting as an action (verb) or a thing (noun). By paying attention to the subject of the sentence and the surrounding context (legal, medical, or general), you can accurately determine its meaning. Whether it is a scientist recording 'pollen counts' or a coach telling a player that 'every practice counts,' the word is a powerful tool for expressing both quantity and quality.

You will encounter the word 'counts' in a wide variety of real-world scenarios, ranging from the evening news to a doctor's office. In news broadcasts, particularly those covering legal trials, reporters frequently use the word to describe the charges against a defendant. You might hear, 'The former CEO faces twelve counts of securities fraud.' This usage is highly specific and formal, indicating that each 'count' is a separate legal instance that must be proven. Similarly, during election season, 'counts' is used in the context of 'vote counts' or 'recounts.' News anchors might discuss how the 'final counts' are coming in from different districts, emphasizing the mathematical total that determines the winner.

Legal News: The prosecutor announced that the defendant is being charged with multiple counts of money laundering and tax evasion.

After the close race, the election board ordered a manual counts of the ballots to ensure accuracy.

In a medical setting, 'counts' is a standard term used by healthcare professionals. When you receive blood test results, the doctor might say, 'Your white blood cell counts are a bit high, which suggests an infection.' Here, 'counts' refers to the concentration of cells in your blood. This is a crucial part of health monitoring and is heard in hospitals and clinics worldwide. In the fitness and wellness industry, you will hear 'counts' in relation to nutrition and exercise. Personal trainers often say, 'Every rep counts,' to encourage clients to maintain good form throughout their workout. Nutritionists might talk about 'calorie counts' or 'carb counts' when helping clients manage their diets. In everyday conversation, 'counts' is often used to express the significance of an action. If a friend helps you with a small task, you might say, 'Thanks, it really counts.' This is a way of acknowledging that their help was meaningful. In the workplace, a manager might say, 'Your contribution to this project really counts,' to show appreciation for an employee's hard work. You also hear it in the common phrase 'it's the thought that counts,' used when a gift or gesture might not be perfect, but the intention was kind. This idiomatic usage is deeply embedded in English-speaking cultures.

Medical Context: The nurse recorded the patient's vital signs and checked the latest laboratory counts for any significant changes.

In the final seconds of the game, the striker's goal counts as the winning point for the team.

Finally, in environmental and scientific reporting, you might hear about 'pollen counts' or 'bacterial counts.' These measurements are used to inform the public about air quality or safety levels. For example, a weather forecaster might say, 'Pollen counts are high today, so allergy sufferers should stay indoors.' This demonstrates how 'counts' is used to quantify invisible but impactful elements of our environment. From the abstract concept of value to the precise measurement of cells and legal charges, 'counts' is a word that appears in nearly every facet of modern life.

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make with 'counts' is failing to ensure proper subject-verb agreement. Because 'counts' is the third-person singular form, it must be paired with a singular subject. A common error is saying 'The results counts' instead of 'The results count' or 'The result counts.' It is essential to identify whether the subject is singular or plural before choosing the form of the verb. Another common mistake involves confusing the verb 'counts' with the noun 'counts.' While they look identical, their functions in a sentence are different. For example, in the sentence 'The counts were high,' 'counts' is a noun acting as the subject. In 'He counts the money,' 'counts' is the action being performed.

Subject-Verb Agreement: Incorrect: 'These small details counts.' Correct: 'These small details count.' or 'This small detail counts.'

When using the phrase 'every second counts,' remember that 'every' always takes a singular verb.

Another area of confusion is the prepositional use of 'counts as.' Some learners forget the 'as' or use the wrong preposition. For instance, saying 'This counts for a grade' is sometimes acceptable, but 'This counts as a grade' is more standard when saying one thing represents another. Using 'counts to' is usually incorrect in this context. Additionally, learners sometimes struggle with the legal and medical plural noun 'counts.' They might say 'He was charged with three count' instead of 'three counts.' Whenever a number greater than one precedes the noun, it must be pluralized. Pronunciation can also be a minor hurdle. The 's' at the end of 'counts' is a voiceless /s/ sound because it follows the voiceless /t/ sound. Some learners might accidentally pronounce it as a /z/ sound, which is more common after voiced consonants. Practicing the transition from /t/ to /s/ can help make your speech sound more natural. Furthermore, avoid using 'counts' when you mean 'accounts.' An 'account' is a record of financial transactions or a report of an event, whereas 'counts' refers to the act of numbering or the significance of something. Saying 'He gave several counts of the accident' is incorrect; it should be 'He gave several accounts of the accident.'

Word Choice: Incorrect: 'I need to check my bank counts.' Correct: 'I need to check my bank accounts.'

The defendant pleaded not guilty to all counts listed in the indictment.

Finally, be careful with the word 'countless.' While related, 'countless' means too many to be counted, which is an adjective. 'Counts' is never used as an adjective. Understanding these distinctions will help you avoid common pitfalls and use the word with confidence in both writing and speaking. By focusing on subject-verb agreement, proper preposition use, and the distinction between nouns and verbs, you can master the nuances of 'counts' and improve your overall English proficiency.

To enrich your vocabulary, it is helpful to explore words that are similar to 'counts' in its various meanings. When 'counts' is used as a verb meaning 'to matter' or 'to be significant,' synonyms include 'matters,' 'signifies,' 'carries weight,' and 'is important.' For example, instead of saying 'Every detail counts,' you could say 'Every detail matters' or 'Every detail is important.' 'Matters' is perhaps the most direct synonym and is used in very similar contexts. 'Signifies' is slightly more formal and often used when an action represents a deeper meaning. 'Carries weight' is an idiomatic expression used to describe an opinion or a piece of evidence that has a lot of influence.

Synonym Comparison: 'Counts' often implies a cumulative effect (every bit helps), while 'matters' simply states the importance of the subject.

In a formal debate, the logic of your argument counts more than the volume of your voice.

In its numerical sense, 'counts' can be replaced by 'calculates,' 'tallies,' 'enumerates,' or 'totals.' 'Calculates' often implies a more complex mathematical process, while 'tallies' is used for keeping a running score or record. 'Enumerates' is a formal word meaning to list things one by one. For instance, 'The report enumerates the various challenges facing the industry.' 'Totals' is used when you are adding everything up to find the final sum. Choosing the right synonym depends on the level of formality and the specific type of counting being performed. When 'counts' is used as a noun in a legal context, alternatives might include 'charges,' 'indictments,' or 'allegations.' A 'charge' is a formal accusation of a crime. An 'indictment' is a formal document that lists the charges. In medical contexts, 'counts' can be replaced by 'measurements,' 'levels,' or 'readings.' For example, 'The patient's glucose levels were stable.' 'Readings' is often used for data taken from a machine, like a thermometer or a blood pressure monitor. Understanding these alternatives allows you to be more precise in your communication and avoid repetitive language.

Legal Alternatives: While 'counts' refers to the individual items in a list of charges, 'indictment' refers to the entire legal document.

The accountant counts the receipts to ensure the total matches the bank statement.

Finally, consider the antonyms of 'counts.' If something 'doesn't count,' it is 'insignificant,' 'irrelevant,' 'negligible,' or 'invalid.' In a game, an 'invalid' move is one that is not allowed and therefore doesn't count. In a scientific experiment, a 'negligible' amount is so small that it doesn't need to be counted. By learning these related words and their subtle differences, you can express yourself more clearly and understand the nuances of English more deeply. Whether you are writing a legal brief, a medical report, or a personal letter, having a range of synonyms and alternatives at your disposal will make your language more dynamic and effective.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Neutral

Informal

Child friendly

Slang

Fun Fact

The noble title 'Count' comes from the Latin 'comes,' meaning 'companion,' specifically a companion of the Emperor. It is linguistically distinct from the verb 'to count,' though they are spelled the same in English.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /kaʊnts/

US /kaʊnts/

The stress is on the single syllable of the word.

Rhymes With

amounts accounts mounts discounts surmounts recounts founts pronounces (partial)

Common Errors

Pronouncing the final 's' as a 'z' (it should be a voiceless 's').
Dropping the 't' sound entirely, making it sound like 'couns'.
Confusing the 'ow' sound with 'oh', making it sound like 'cones'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Easy to read but requires context to distinguish between noun and verb.

Writing 4/5

Requires careful subject-verb agreement (singular vs plural).

Speaking 3/5

The 'nts' ending can be tricky for some non-native speakers.

Listening 3/5

Common in many contexts, usually clear from the surrounding words.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

count number important money law

Learn Next

account amount significant indictment calculation

Advanced

enumeration tally nobility precedent statistical significance

Grammar to Know

Subject-Verb Agreement

The student counts (singular) vs The students count (plural).

Every + Singular Noun

Every person counts (not 'every people counts').

Prepositional Phrases

Counts as (category) vs Counts for (value/reason).

Plural Nouns after Numbers

Five counts of theft (not 'five count').

Third Person Singular -s

She counts, he counts, it counts.

Examples by Level

He counts his fingers: one, two, three.

Il compte ses doigts.

Third-person singular verb (he + counts).

The teacher counts the students in the class.

Le professeur compte les élèves.

Present simple tense for a routine action.

She counts the apples in the basket.

Elle compte les pommes.

Subject-verb agreement (she + counts).

My brother counts to ten before he hides.

Mon frère compte jusqu'à dix.

Used in the context of a game (Hide and Seek).

The boy counts the cars on the street.

Le garçon compte les voitures.

Simple transitive verb usage.

She counts the money for the bus.

Elle compte l'argent pour le bus.

Literal counting of physical objects.

He counts the stars at night.

Il compte les étoiles.

Poetic but literal use of the verb.

The cat counts the birds in the garden.

Le chat compte les oiseaux.

Personification of an animal using the verb.

In this game, every goal counts.

Dans ce jeu, chaque but compte.

'Every' + singular noun + singular verb 'counts'.

The shopkeeper counts the change for the customer.

Le commerçant compte la monnaie.

Focus on a professional task.

Does this point counts? No, it's 'count'.

Est-ce que ce point compte ?

Common error check: 'Does' takes the base form 'count'.

She counts the days until her birthday.

Elle compte les jours.

Idiomatic use for anticipation.

He counts his blessings every morning.

Il apprécie sa chance.

Idiom: 'to count one's blessings'.

The machine counts the coins very fast.

La machine compte les pièces.

Inanimate subject with the verb 'counts'.

It counts as a win for our team.

Cela compte comme une victoire.

Phrase 'counts as' meaning 'is considered'.

The counts of the items were all correct.

Les totaux étaient corrects.

Plural noun 'counts' meaning 'totals'.

It's the thought that counts when you give a gift.

C'est l'intention qui compte.

Very common abstract idiom.

Every vote counts in a democratic election.

Chaque vote compte.

Emphasizing significance.

This certificate counts as a professional qualification.

Ce certificat compte comme une qualification.

Using 'counts as' for official recognition.

The doctor is worried about your low blood counts.

Le médecin s'inquiète de vos analyses.

Medical plural noun usage.

In a marathon, every second counts.

Chaque seconde compte.

Expressing urgency and importance.

He counts on his family for support.

Il compte sur sa famille.

Phrasal verb 'counts on' meaning 'relies on'.

The poll counts show that the candidate is leading.

Les résultats des sondages montrent...

Noun usage in a political context.

Your hard work really counts toward your final grade.

Votre travail compte pour votre note.

Expressing contribution to a result.

The defendant was charged on three counts of theft.

L'accusé a été inculpé de trois chefs d'accusation.

Legal plural noun 'counts'.

On all counts, the new product has been a success.

À tous égards, le produit est un succès.

Idiom 'on all counts' meaning 'in every way'.

The evidence counts heavily against the suspect.

Les preuves pèsent lourdement contre le suspect.

Abstract verb meaning 'to have influence'.

Pollen counts are expected to rise this weekend.

Les niveaux de pollen vont augmenter.

Environmental measurement noun.

What counts is not what you say, but what you do.

Ce qui compte, c'est ce que vous faites.

Using 'what counts' as a noun phrase.

The jury found him guilty on all counts.

Le jury l'a déclaré coupable sur tous les chefs d'accusation.

Standard legal phrasing.

She counts herself lucky to have survived the accident.

Elle s'estime chanceuse.

Reflexive use: 'counts oneself [adjective]'.

The cost of the repairs counts as a business expense.

Le coût compte comme une dépense professionnelle.

Financial/Tax context for 'counts as'.

The indictment included multiple counts of racketeering.

L'acte d'accusation comprenait plusieurs chefs de racket.

Formal legal terminology.

High white blood cell counts often indicate an underlying infection.

Des taux élevés de globules blancs indiquent souvent une infection.

Technical medical usage.

In the grand scheme of things, this minor setback hardly counts.

Dans l'ensemble, ce contretemps ne compte guère.

Philosophical/Abstract usage.

The historian analyzed the various counts of the 18th-century aristocracy.

L'historien a analysé les différents comtes...

Noun referring to titles of nobility.

The success of the mission counts on the precision of the calculations.

Le succès de la mission dépend de la précision...

Phrasal verb in a high-stakes context.

He was acquitted on the most serious counts but convicted on the lesser ones.

Il a été acquitté des chefs d'accusation les plus graves.

Nuanced legal reporting.

The sheer number of participants counts for the event's massive impact.

Le nombre de participants explique l'impact massif.

'Counts for' meaning 'is the reason for'.

The software counts every keystroke to monitor productivity.

Le logiciel compte chaque frappe au clavier.

Technological/Monitoring context.

The judge's ruling on the counts of the indictment set a new legal precedent.

La décision du juge a établi un nouveau précédent juridique.

High-level legal analysis.

What counts as 'art' is a subject of perennial debate among critics.

Ce qui constitue l'art est un sujet de débat perpétuel.

Philosophical inquiry using 'counts as'.

The statistical validity of the study counts on the accuracy of the initial counts.

La validité statistique dépend de l'exactitude des comptages initiaux.

Using both verb and noun forms in one sentence.

The counts and countesses of the realm were summoned to the palace.

Les comtes et comtesses du royaume ont été convoqués.

Archaic/Historical noun usage.

Her contribution to the field counts among the most significant of the century.

Sa contribution compte parmi les plus importantes.

'Counts among' meaning 'is categorized as'.

The prosecutor's strategy was to overwhelm the defense with numerous counts.

La stratégie du procureur était de submerger la défense.

Strategic legal context.

In the final reckoning, it is the integrity of the process that counts.

En fin de compte, c'est l'intégrité du processus qui importe.

Formal, almost poetic abstract usage.

The bacterial counts in the water supply were found to be within safe limits.

Les taux de bactéries ont été jugés conformes.

Technical environmental safety report.

Common Collocations

blood counts

vote counts

every second counts

counts as

pollen counts

multiple counts

counts for nothing

counts on

calorie counts

on all counts

Common Phrases

It's the thought that counts

— The intention is more important than the actual gift or result.

The gift was small, but it's the thought that counts.

Every little bit counts

— Even small contributions are helpful and important.

We only raised fifty dollars, but every little bit counts.

Counts for a lot

— Is very important or significant.

His experience in the field counts for a lot.

Don't count your chickens

— Do not depend on something that has not happened yet.

You haven't won the race yet, so don't count your chickens.

Count me in

— Include me in the plans or activity.

If you are going to the movies, count me in!

Count me out

— Do not include me in the plans.

I'm too tired for a hike, so count me out.

Down for the count

— Defeated or unconscious (from boxing).

After the long flu, he was down for the count for a week.

Stand up and be counted

— Publicly state your opinion or support.

It is time for us to stand up and be counted on this issue.

Lose count

— To forget the total number while counting.

There were so many birds that I lost count.

Keep count

— To maintain an accurate total of something.

The referee needs to keep count of the fouls.

Often Confused With

counts vs accounts

An account is a record or report; counts is the act of numbering or being important.

counts vs amounts

Amount refers to a total quantity; counts refers to the act of finding that quantity or the significance.

counts vs countless

Countless is an adjective meaning 'too many to count'; counts is a verb or noun.

Idioms & Expressions

"Every second counts"

— Time is extremely valuable and limited.

In heart surgery, every second counts.

neutral

"It's the thought that counts"

— The kind intention is what matters most.

I know you didn't mean to break it; it's the thought that counts.

informal

"On all counts"

— In every respect or regarding every point.

The movie was a disaster on all counts.

neutral

"Count your blessings"

— Be grateful for the good things in your life.

When you feel sad, try to count your blessings.

informal

"Count on it"

— You can be certain that something will happen.

Will he be there? You can count on it.

informal

"Make it count"

— Ensure that an action has a significant impact.

You only have one chance, so make it count.

neutral

"Count heads"

— To count the number of people present.

Let's count heads before the bus leaves.

informal

"Count for nothing"

— To have no value or importance.

All his promises count for nothing now.

neutral

"Count as"

— To be considered or accepted as something.

Does this count as a healthy meal?

neutral

"Take a head count"

— To perform a formal count of people.

The teacher took a head count before entering the museum.

neutral

Easily Confused

counts vs account

Similar spelling and root.

An account is a story or a bank record. 'Counts' is the 3rd person singular verb for numbering.

He has a bank account, but he counts his cash manually.

counts vs amount

Both deal with quantity.

Amount is usually for uncountable things (amount of water). Counts is for countable things or importance.

The amount of rain counts toward the total yearly rainfall.

counts vs counter

Same root.

A counter is a surface or a person who counts. 'Counts' is the action.

The counter counts the people entering the room.

counts vs country

Similar starting letters.

Country is a nation. 'Counts' is about numbers or importance.

Every citizen in the country counts.

counts vs county

Very similar spelling.

A county is a geographic region. 'Counts' is a verb or plural noun.

The county counts the votes in every election.

Sentence Patterns

He/She counts [noun].

She counts the birds.

It counts as [noun].

It counts as a goal.

Every [noun] counts.

Every vote counts.

It's the [noun] that counts.

It's the effort that counts.

[Number] counts of [crime].

Five counts of burglary.

Counts heavily against [noun].

This counts heavily against him.

Counts among the [plural noun].

He counts among the greatest writers.

What counts as [abstract noun] is...

What counts as justice is subjective.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Highly frequent in legal, medical, and motivational English.

Common Mistakes

They counts the money. → They count the money.
The subject 'They' is plural, so the verb should be 'count' without the 's'.
Every votes counts. → Every vote counts.
'Every' must be followed by a singular noun ('vote') and a singular verb ('counts').
He was charged with three count of fraud. → He was charged with three counts of fraud.
When used as a noun after a number greater than one, 'counts' must be plural.
It's the thought that count. → It's the thought that counts.
The subject 'the thought' is singular, so the verb must be 'counts'.
This counts for a science credit. → This counts as a science credit.
While 'counts for' is sometimes used, 'counts as' is the standard way to say something fulfills a requirement.

Tips

Subject-Verb Agreement

Always check if your subject is singular. 'He counts' is correct, but 'They counts' is wrong. This is a very common mistake for learners.

Legal Usage

If you are reading a news story about a trial, 'counts' almost always refers to the number of crimes the person is accused of.

The Thought That Counts

Use this phrase to be polite when someone gives you a gift or tries to help but doesn't quite succeed. It shows you value their effort.

Blood Counts

When a doctor mentions 'counts,' they are usually talking about your lab results. It's a plural noun in this context.

Emphasis

Use 'every [noun] counts' to create a sense of importance or urgency in your writing, such as 'Every minute counts in this exam.'

The Final 'S'

Make sure the final 's' is voiceless. It should sound like a hiss, not a buzz. Practice saying 'cats' and then 'counts' to get the sound right.

Verb vs Noun

If 'counts' follows a number (like 'three counts'), it's a noun. If it follows a person (like 'he counts'), it's a verb.

Counts As

Use 'counts as' when you want to say that one thing is being treated as another. 'A tomato counts as a fruit in science, but a vegetable in cooking.'

The Count

Think of the character 'The Count' from Sesame Street. He literally 'counts' things, which helps you remember the primary verb meaning.

Academic Precision

In formal reports, use 'counts' to refer to data points or specific occurrences to sound more professional.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Counts' as 'Coins' + 'S'. When you have many coins, you count them, and each one counts toward your total wealth.

Visual Association

Imagine a judge (legal counts) holding a calculator (numerical counts) and a heart (importance/it counts).

Word Web

Numbers Importance Law Medicine Nobility Money Votes Value

Challenge

Try to write a paragraph using 'counts' as a verb, a legal noun, and a medical noun. For example: 'The doctor counts the cells, the jury counts the charges, and the patient knows every day counts.'

Word Origin

The word 'counts' comes from the Old French word 'conter,' which means 'to add up' or 'to tell a story.' This is why we have both 'counting numbers' and 'recounting a story.'

Original meaning: The original meaning was related to calculation and narration, reflecting the historical connection between keeping records and telling history.

Indo-European > Italic > Latin (computare) > French (conter) > English.

Cultural Context

No specific sensitivities, but be careful not to confuse the noble title 'Count' with the verb in formal historical writing.

The word is heavily used in motivational contexts ('Make it count').

Count von Count from Sesame Street (who literally counts everything). The Count of Monte Cristo (historical noble title). The song 'Count on Me' by Bruno Mars (phrasal verb usage).

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Legal

Guilty on all counts
Multiple counts of fraud
Each count carries a sentence
Facing several counts

Medical

Low blood counts
White cell counts
Check the lab counts
Pollen counts are high

Motivational

Make every day count
It's the effort that counts
Your voice counts
Every second counts

Financial

The cashier counts the cash
Inventory counts
Counts as a tax deduction
Final counts for the day

Sports

The basket counts
The goal doesn't count
Every point counts
The referee counts to ten

Conversation Starters

"Do you think it's always the thought that counts, or do results matter more?"

"How often do you check the pollen counts before going outside?"

"In your opinion, what counts as a successful career?"

"Have you ever lost count while trying to number something important?"

"Why do you think every vote counts in a small community election?"

Journal Prompts

Write about a time when you realized that 'every second counts.' What was the situation?

What are three things in your life that 'count' the most to you right now?

Describe a situation where a small gesture 'counted' more than a big one.

If you were a judge, how would you decide which 'counts' of a crime are most serious?

Reflect on the phrase 'make it count.' How can you apply this to your studies today?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, 'counts' can also be a plural noun. As a verb, it means to number things or to be important. As a noun, it refers to totals, legal charges, or noble titles.

This is an idiom meaning that the kind intention behind an action or gift is more important than the gift itself. For example, if someone gives you a small gift you don't need, you say this to show you appreciate their kindness.

In law, 'counts' refers to specific charges in an indictment. For example, 'The thief was charged with three counts of robbery,' meaning they are accused of three separate robberies.

No, that is grammatically incorrect. 'People' is plural, so you must use the plural verb form: 'The people count.' You only use 'counts' with singular subjects like 'he,' 'she,' 'it,' or 'the person.'

Blood counts are medical tests that measure the number of different cells in your blood, such as red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Doctors use these to check your health.

'Count' is the base verb or singular noun. 'Counts' is the third-person singular verb (he counts) or the plural noun (three counts).

It is similar, but 'counts as' implies that something is being accepted or categorized as something else, often to fulfill a requirement. 'This course counts as a science credit' means it is accepted as one.

In English, the word 'every' is always followed by a singular noun and a singular verb. Therefore, we say 'every second counts' instead of 'every seconds count.'

It means 'in every way' or 'regarding every point mentioned.' For example, 'The new restaurant was great on all counts—food, service, and atmosphere.'

Yes, it is very common in daily conversation, news, law, and medicine. It is a B1 level word that every learner should know.