Number Sign
Rules and Examples
In the English language, the number sign ( # ) is also known as aClick Here for Step-by-Step Rules, Stories and Exercises to Practice All English Tenses
- pound sign
- pound key
- pound
- hex
- octothorpe
-
hash (British English)
On the keyboard
The number sign ( # ) is made on an American keyboard by holding the SHIFT key and pressing the number 3 on the top number line.The number sign can also be inserted into a document by choosing INSERT SYMBOL and selecting the # symbol.
Number Sign
In the American English, the # symbol is read as "number" when it comes before a number.We mostly use the number sign in informal writing, such as emails, texts, journal entries and advertisements.
Examples:
-
#5
Number Five - Please pick up your #2 pencils.
Please pick up your number two pencils. -
Tim was #15 in line.
Tim was number 15 in line. - Please complete #1–10 in your workbook.
Please complete numbers 1 through 10 in your workbook.
Do not put a space between the number sign and the number.
Correct:
#25
Incorrect:
# 25
#25
Incorrect:
# 25
Pound Sign
In the United States, the # symbol is also called the pound sign or pound when it comes after a number.Pound refers to the unit of weight that is abbreviated as lb.
Examples:
-
John cooked 2# of hamburger for supper.
John cooked 2 pounds of hamburger for supper. -
The baby weighs 8.2#.
The baby weighs 8 pounds and 2 ounces. -
I gained 1# during vacation.
I gained one pound during vacation.
There is no space between the number and the pound sign.
Correct:
400#
Incorrect:
400 #
400#
Incorrect:
400 #
Pound Key
On and American telephone, the # symbol is referred to as the pound key. The pound key is located on the bottom right of the phone.
Usage of the # symbol in British English
In the United Kingdom and Ireland, the # symbol on the telephone is usually called the hash. It is never called the pound sign.In the United Kingdom, pound refers to currency.
The symbol for the pound is £.
In British English, the use of the # symbol as an abbreviation for "number" is rare. In British English, "number" is abbreviated as "no."
Examples:
American English:
#2
British English:
No. 2
American English:
His basketball jersey was #6.
British English:
His basketball jersey was no. 6
#2
British English:
No. 2
American English:
His basketball jersey was #6.
British English:
His basketball jersey was no. 6
These were the uses of the number sign. Now that you know them, it is time to practice! Read and do exercises.
Get Updates, Special Offers, and English Resources
Download your FREE GIFT (the first two chapters of
English Short Stories Book and Workbook)
as soon as you join!
By submitting your email, you consent to receiving updates and newsletters from us and to the sharing of your personal data with third parties for the purposes of sending you communications. We will not spam you. You can unsubscribe at any time. For more information, please see our privacy policy.
[?] Subscribe To This Site
