Suppose I have a macro like this:

\define[1]\thisismylist{

This list has n items.

\startitemize

   #1

\stopitemize

}

And in the document it might have this:

\thisismylist{

\item cat

\item dog

\item tree

}

How can I make n display three, as there are three items?

"This list has 3 items:

1. cat

2. dog

3. tree

I will use this as a means to check if the description before a list needs a plural or not:

Read the prompts below:

- Do you think cats should be banned from university dormitories?

- Should public schools provide free breakfast?

And that way, if there is only one prompt, it changes the instructions to be:

Read the prompt below:

--Joel