a disproportionate amount

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a disproportionate amount" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a quantity that is not in proportion to what is considered normal or expected in a given context. Example: "The study revealed that a disproportionate amount of resources was allocated to the marketing department compared to research and development."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

For a team that was earmarked for extinction a year ago, the Montreal Expos consume a disproportionate amount of Major League Baseball's attention.

The New York Times - Sports

They get a disproportionate amount of attention.

The Guardian

Oxford has inspired a disproportionate amount of children's literature.

The New Yorker

Already, we spend a disproportionate amount on senior citizens.

The New York Times

Yet some are expending a disproportionate amount of blood.

The Economist

But unfortunately, false rape allegations get a disproportionate amount of press and media attention.

The Guardian - Opinion

Often in these dramas there's a disproportionate amount of RP [received pronunciation] speakers.

The Guardian

The sex lives of the great composers seem to command a disproportionate amount of interest.

The Guardian - Music

It also gives a disproportionate amount of power to people like Sage.

The New Yorker

Shoplifting by professional gangs represents a minority of offenders, but a disproportionate amount of financial damage.

The New York Times

And people are saying a disproportionate amount of that share is coming out of AT&T.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a disproportionate amount" to highlight an imbalance or inequality, particularly when discussing resource allocation, attention, or representation.

Common error

Avoid assuming the reasons behind the disproportionality without evidence. State the imbalance clearly but avoid making unsupported claims about its origins or consequences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a disproportionate amount" functions as a determiner phrase, modifying a noun. It quantifies something, indicating that the quantity is not in proportion to what is expected or considered normal. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is used correctly and frequently.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a disproportionate amount" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression used to denote an imbalance or unequal distribution. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, it is deemed correct and usable. Predominantly found in news and media, this phrase effectively draws attention to situations where resources, attention, or representation are not allocated fairly or as expected. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by explicitly stating the expected proportion and avoid making unsubstantiated claims about the causes of the disproportionality. Alternative expressions such as "an excessive quantity" or "an undue proportion" can be considered based on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an excessive quantity

Emphasizes the quantity being beyond what is considered normal or acceptable.

an unequal part

Emphasizes the lack of equality in the distribution.

an undue proportion

Highlights that the proportion is inappropriate or unwarranted in a given situation.

an imbalanced allocation

Focuses on the distribution of resources being uneven or unfair.

an outsize portion

Suggests a portion that is larger than what is considered typical or reasonable.

a lopsided share

Suggests an uneven distribution, with one side receiving significantly more.

a skewed allocation

Implies an unfair distribution of resources or opportunities.

a skewed distribution

Implies that the data or resources are not evenly spread.

a large imbalance

Highlights the significant difference in amounts or proportions.

a surplus quantity

Indicates that there is more of something than is needed or expected.

FAQs

How can I use "a disproportionate amount" in a sentence?

Use "a disproportionate amount" to describe a quantity that is larger or smaller than expected compared to other quantities. For example, "The marketing department receives "a disproportionate amount" of the budget" indicates an imbalance in resource allocation.

What are some alternatives to "a disproportionate amount"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "an excessive quantity", "an undue proportion", or "an imbalanced allocation" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it correct to say "disproportionate amount"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct and commonly used. The phrase "a disproportionate amount" is used to describe something that is not in proportion with something else.

What's the difference between "a disproportionate amount" and "a proportional amount"?

"A disproportionate amount" indicates an imbalance or unequal distribution, while "a proportional amount" suggests that something is distributed in a fair and balanced manner relative to other factors.