a copious quantity of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a copious quantity of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a large amount or abundance of something, often in a formal or literary context. Example: "The research revealed a copious quantity of data that needed to be analyzed thoroughly."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The seed coats of some species contain a growth inhibitor that can be washed off only by a copious quantity of water, thus preventing germination after only a brief shower.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Finally the filter cake was washed with copious quantity of DI water.

Nanoscale Research Letters

It really was a copious amount of sunflowers.

The New York Times - Magazine

2. A copious amount of matching paper products.

Huffington Post

During the addition a copious amount of precipitate was formed.

Chemistry - A European Journal

The result was a copious amount of arboreal dead leaf material attached to live leaves.

Communicative and Integrative Biology

I have a relative who drinks copious quantities of a caffeinated diet beverage because she hates coffee and tea, but wants to consume caffeine throughout the day.

Huffington Post

The second element of decontamination is a shower, with copious quantities of water.

Critical Care

They talk of the "pharmacy shoppers" who call up, give no name, and wonder if the place has oddly copious quantities of a narcotic painkiller, usually oxycodone.

The New York Times

The price was more than reasonable — $35 a night per person, including copious quantities of that delicious food and house wine.

The New York Times - Travel

It's believed they "ritualistically [ate] cacao off each other's skin during sex, and the Aztec emperor Montezuma... drank copious quantities of a chocolate-based beverage to enhance his virility".

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a copious quantity of" when you want to emphasize the abundance or profusion of something, often in a slightly formal or literary context. Ensure the tone of your writing matches the phrase's inherent formality.

Common error

Avoid using "a copious quantity of" in informal or casual writing, as it may sound pretentious or out of place. Opt for simpler alternatives like "a lot of" or "a large amount of" in less formal contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a copious quantity of" functions as a determiner phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a large or abundant amount. This usage is supported by Ludwig, indicating that it is grammatically correct and semantically meaningful in describing the extent or size of something.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

32%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a copious quantity of" is a grammatically correct and meaningful expression used to describe a large or abundant amount. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and semantic coherence. It is most appropriate for formal and technical contexts, such as science and news reporting, where emphasizing the extent or profusion of something is desired. While "a copious quantity of" is a valid construction, simpler alternatives like ""a large amount of"" may be preferable in more informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a large quantity of

More general and common alternative, suitable for a wider range of contexts.

an abundant quantity of

Emphasizes the plentiful nature of the amount, adding a slightly more positive tone.

a substantial amount of

Highlights the significance or impact of the quantity, implying it's noteworthy.

a plentiful supply of

Focuses on availability and provision, suggesting more than enough is present.

a generous amount of

Suggests a liberal or unsparing quantity, often with a connotation of giving.

a considerable quantity of

Similar to "substantial", emphasizing the noteworthiness and importance of the amount.

a significant amount of

Highlights the importance of the amount, focusing on its impact or effect.

a great deal of

A common and versatile alternative, suitable for both countable and uncountable nouns.

a wealth of

Implies a rich and abundant supply, often used in more figurative contexts.

an ample supply of

Suggests sufficiency and adequacy, indicating there's more than enough to meet needs.

FAQs

What does "a copious quantity of" mean?

The phrase "a copious quantity of" means a large or abundant amount of something. It suggests that there is more than enough of whatever is being described.

When is it appropriate to use "a copious quantity of" in writing?

It is appropriate to use "a copious quantity of" in formal or technical writing where you want to emphasize the large amount of something. In less formal contexts, alternatives like "a large amount of" or "a lot of" may be more suitable.

What are some alternatives to "a copious quantity of"?

Some alternatives include "a large quantity of", "an abundance of", "a substantial amount of", or simply "a lot of". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is "copious quantities of" the same as "a copious quantity of"?

Yes, they have essentially the same meaning. "Copious quantities of" is used when referring to multiple instances or types of something in abundance, while "a copious quantity of" refers to a single, large amount.