Amount applies to what is thought of in the mass or bulk, as money, wheat, coal. Number is used when we think of the individuals composing the mass, as men, books, horses, vessels.
Answer, Reply
An answer implies a question. We may reply to a remark or assertion. A reply is more formal than an answer.
Antagonize, Alienate, Oppose
The word antagonize should not be used in the sense of alienate; as, “Your proposition will antagonize many supporters of the measure.” “The Senate opposed the bill which passed the House” is better than “antagonized the bill.”
Anticipate, Expect
“The arrival of the President was hourly anticipated” is pompous. Use expected.
Any, At all
“He was so far from the speaker’s platform that he could not hear any.” Better “that he could not hear,” or “hear at all,” or “hear what was said.”