An unspecified quantity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "An unspecified quantity" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to an amount that is not defined or quantified, often in mathematical, scientific, or general contexts. Example: "The recipe calls for an unspecified quantity of salt, so add it to taste."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Mr. Huffer is accused of selling an unspecified quantity of marijuana from his sign shop in Oyster Bay and from his Locust Valley home.

The New York Times

The group, which has twice secretly destroyed an unspecified quantity of arms in front of international monitors, said it would discuss a "third act of putting arms beyond use".

The New York Times

Sold in fancy-looking wine bottles, priced at forty-five dollars each, the juice — a supersweet, brownish-purple concoction, contains an unspecified quantity of freeze-dried açaí pulp, along with eighteen other juice concentrates.

The New Yorker

In a previously unpublicised letter to MPs last year, Mr Cable acknowledged that his officials had authorised the export of an unspecified quantity of the chemicals in the knowledge that they were listed on an international schedule of chemical weapon precursors.

Independent

The additional episode order from TLC includes Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas "HOLLAday" specials and an unspecified quantity of new episodes.

Huffington Post

Edgardo Lopez, head of the military press office, said that an unspecified quantity of arms had been confiscated at Diaz's home after a brief shoot-out that lasted seven minutes and ended at 7 17 a.m. local time.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

An unspecified amount of cash was also found in the Brentwood house, investigators said.

The New York Times

An unspecified amount is also given in military support.

BBC

An unspecified amount of MgS may also be produced by evolved stars.

Earth, Planets and Space

An unspecified amount of money will also be supplied by the U.S. Air Force, ensuring another few month's worth of E.T. searching should the deal go through.

TechCrunch

An unspecified amount of cash had also been taken.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an unspecified quantity", ensure the context makes it clear why the quantity isn't specified. For example, is it unknown, irrelevant, or confidential?

Common error

Avoid using "an unspecified quantity" without providing some context or frame of reference. Even if the exact amount is unknown, give the reader a sense of scale or range to avoid confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an unspecified quantity" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the object of a verb or preposition. It identifies an amount that is not precisely defined or known. Ludwig examples show it used across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

21%

Science

21%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an unspecified quantity" is a versatile phrase used to denote an amount that is not precisely defined, as confirmed by Ludwig. It's grammatically correct and appears most frequently in News & Media contexts. While suitable for various situations, clarity is key: ensure your audience understands why the quantity is unspecified and provide context where possible. Consider alternatives like ""an undetermined amount"" or "an unknown quantity" depending on the intended nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an unknown quantity

Replaces "unspecified" with "unknown", focusing on the lack of awareness of the amount.

an undetermined amount

Substitutes "unspecified" with "undetermined", highlighting that the amount has not been established.

an undefined quantity

Replaces "unspecified" with "undefined", stressing that the quantity lacks a clear definition.

an unstated quantity

Uses "unstated" to emphasize that the amount has not been explicitly mentioned.

a certain amount

Uses "certain" to indicate an existing amount, though its specific value isn't given.

a non-specific quantity

Replaces "unspecified" with "non-specific", highlighting that the quantity is not precisely defined.

a variable amount

Emphasizes that the quantity can change or differ.

an imprecise amount

Similar to 'approximate quantity', indicating a degree of uncertainty or estimation.

an approximate quantity

Indicates the quantity is an estimate rather than a precise value.

a range of quantities

Indicates that the amount falls within a particular spectrum, without specifying a precise value.

FAQs

How do I use "an unspecified quantity" in a sentence?

Use "an unspecified quantity" when you want to indicate that an amount is not precisely known or defined. For example: "The recipe calls for "an unspecified quantity of salt", so add it to taste."

What's a formal alternative to "an unspecified quantity"?

In a more formal context, you could use alternatives like "an undetermined amount" or "an unstated quantity". These options often appear in business or academic writing.

Is it better to be specific instead of using "an unspecified quantity"?

Specificity is usually preferred unless the exact quantity is genuinely unknown, irrelevant, or confidential. If you can provide even an approximate range, it's better than saying "an unspecified quantity."

What is the difference between "an unspecified quantity" and "an unknown quantity"?

While similar, "an unspecified quantity" suggests the amount exists but hasn't been detailed. "An unknown quantity" emphasizes the lack of knowledge regarding the amount.