growing number — increasing amount
collocationB1IELTS 5+neutralcommon
used to talk about something that is becoming more common or happening more often over time.
Say it like a native
Textbook An ever-increasing quantity of individuals work remotely.
Native A growing number of people work from home.
'A growing number of' is the natural set phrase. 'Ever-increasing quantity of individuals' is overwrought.
Pattern: a growing number of + plural noun
In use
- A growing number of people are choosing to work from home.society
- In my opinion, a growing number of students are interested in studying abroad because it offers more opportunities.IELTS speaking
Common mistake
✗ A growing number of people works from home.
✓ A growing number of people work from home.
The verb agrees with the plural 'people' — use 'work', not 'works'.
Common collocations
a growing number of— people, companies, students, cases
Don't confuse it
Compare with 'increasing amount', which is used for uncountable nouns.