a basic amount of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a basic amount of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a minimal or fundamental quantity of something. Example: "To start the project, we need a basic amount of resources to ensure we can move forward."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Many municipalities provide a basic amount of water, electricity and sanitation free to poor families.Expectations soared when the ANC first swept into power promising "a better life for all".

The Economist

Inspired by the Human Right to Water, two important cities in Colombia make a basic amount of water (Minimo Vital de Agua Potable) available to their poorest residents free of charge.

Wikipedia

Pictures of American families bathing and brushing teeth from five-gallon buckets hold a mirror to the nation's hydro-illogical cycle: We subsidize water for the largest users in the United States, including agriculture and energy plants, yet we do not ensure a basic amount of water for the poorest citizens.

Huffington Post

We propose at the end of this step a valorisation model of rehabilitation activity, with a basic amount of activity points for the medical group (70 groups), and additive activity points for the 7 other variables.

BMC Health Services Research

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Marcuse's point here is that while work is necessary for the maintenance of life, in our society there has been a transition from the basic amount of work needed to maintain life to what we might call surplus work.

SEP

But the process can take a year or more, and during that time the claimant will only receive the basic amount of ESA, £65.45, to put them in the same financial position as those on jobseeker's allowance.

The Guardian - Money

The basic amount of DOX is desorbed during the first 20 min for all the investigated concentrations.

Journal of Nanostructure in Chemistry

Since 2007, the developed world's central banks have roughly tripled the basic amount of money, called the monetary base, that existed in 2007.

Huffington Post

Unfortunately, we Syrians have learned the hard way not to place faith in humanity after the international community has failed over and over again to support us with even the most basic amount of dignity.

Huffington Post

Perhaps, there is a basic core amount of sleep that is critical to all mammals (and perhaps all or most non-mammals too) and cannot be replaced by anything but sleep.

Behavioral and Brain Functions

Better reductive capability of platinum was confirmed by H2-TPR profiles and a higher activity of platinum may also be linked to changes in surface basic properties (a higher amount of basic centers) illustrated by CO2-TPD profiles.

Catalysis Today

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a basic amount of", ensure the context clearly indicates what the amount is sufficient for. For instance, "a basic amount of training" should be followed by what the training enables the individual to do.

Common error

Avoid using "a basic amount of" when you actually mean a substantial or significant amount. It suggests a minimal level, so ensure it accurately reflects the quantity you're describing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a basic amount of" functions as a determiner phrase, modifying a noun. It specifies a minimal or fundamental quantity of something. As noted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is considered correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

33%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a basic amount of" is a grammatically sound and usable expression in English. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is suitable for describing a minimal or fundamental quantity of something. While its occurrence is relatively rare, it appears across various contexts, including news, science, and general reference materials. It is essential to ensure the context clarifies what this basic amount is intended for, and to avoid using it when describing substantial quantities. Alternatives such as ""a minimal quantity of"" or ""an elementary level of"" can provide similar meaning with slight variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a fundamental quantity of

Emphasizes the essential nature of the quantity, highlighting its role as a foundation.

an elementary level of

Indicates a simple or initial stage, focusing on the rudiments or starting point.

a minimal quantity of

Stresses the smallness or bare minimum of the amount, highlighting its limited nature.

a foundational measure of

Highlights the role of the amount as a starting point, similar to laying the ground work.

a core element of

Focuses on the amount as being one of the key constituent/important parts.

a standard ration of

Implies a controlled or regulated supply, suggesting a set quantity that is the standard.

a rudimentary degree of

Conveys a sense of incompleteness or simplicity, focusing on the preliminary state.

a threshold value of

Indicates a boundary or limit, highlighting the minimum acceptable quantity.

a preliminary portion of

Focuses on the introductory phase, highlighting the initial allocation or segment.

an essential component of

Emphasizes the necessity and importance of the quantity, viewing it as crucial.

FAQs

How can I use "a basic amount of" in a sentence?

Use "a basic amount of" to describe a quantity that is fundamental or minimally sufficient for a particular purpose. For example, "We need "a basic amount of funding" to start the project."

What are some alternatives to "a basic amount of"?

Alternatives include "a minimal quantity of", "an elementary level of", or "a fundamental quantity of", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "a basic amount of" or "a significant amount of"?

The choice depends on the quantity you want to describe. "A basic amount of" indicates a minimal or essential quantity, while "a significant amount of" refers to a substantial or considerable quantity. Choose the phrase that best fits the situation.

What's the difference between "a basic amount of" and "a certain amount of"?

"A basic amount of" implies a minimal or fundamental quantity, whereas "a certain amount of" simply indicates that the quantity is defined or specific, without necessarily implying it is minimal. For example, you might need "a certain amount of time" to complete a task, without it being just the minimum possible.