So far, I've learned:
1) A number of internet users were in Paris.
2) The number of internet users was in Paris.
1) and 2) are grammatically correct, and have a little different meanings.
But I'm not sure about:
<Number>+ of + plural noun/nouns . . .
<Unit>+ of + plural noun/nouns . . .
<Number>+ plural noun/nouns . . .
<Unit>+ plural noun/nouns . . .
1. Should we treat "<Number> + of + plural noun/nouns" and <Unit> + of + plural noun/nouns" as "A number of"?
a) 7.8 million of internet users was/were in Paris. < Was || Were >
b) Millions of internet users was/were in Paris. < Was || Were >
c) 7.8 million internet users was/were in Paris. < Was || Were >
d) Millions internet users was/were in Paris. < Was || Were >
2. I know that we can usually say "Millions of internet users" and "7.8 million internet users".
How about saying "Millions internet users" and "7.8 million of internet users", are they usual?
3. Is it usual to use article "the" to specify the mentioned quantities in the sentences?
And should we treat "The <number> + of + plural noun/nouns" and The <unit> + of + plural noun/nouns" as "The number of"?
e) The 7.8 million of internet users was/were in Paris. < Was || Were >
f) The millions of internet users was/were in Paris. < Was || Were >
g) The 7.8 million internet users was/were in Paris. < Was || Were >
h) The millions internet users was/were in Paris. < Was || Were >
4. In 2005, Paris had the largest number of internet users at 7.8 ___________.
Which should be filled in the blank?
a) million people
b) million of people
c) million
Best Answer
The gist of your question is: when to use of with numbers. Here's an attempt to collate some use cases and attempt a generalisation.
Use of if you 'apply' the number to the noun; leave it off if you simply count them.
Consider the following in light of the various dictionary entries for the word "of" relating to the use of the word to express associations or relationships: