a fair quantity of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a fair quantity of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a moderate or reasonable amount of something, often in a context where the exact quantity is not specified. Example: "The recipe calls for a fair quantity of sugar to achieve the desired sweetness."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

True to form, Johnny took the stage after consuming a fair quantity of adult beverages.

The New York Times

But a fair quantity of the best writing about the States is by someone we're not accustomed to think of as "a writer".

The Guardian - Books

In addition to the squidgy, rose-tinted fruit, I ended up with a fair quantity of explicitly pink juice, as sharp and fresh as a winter's morning.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Instead, he blew up his mother's rose garden fence, along with her bathroom scales, a fair quantity of her cookware and the household water heater.

The Guardian

He left behind him, in addition to a huge amount of journal material and many books on prayer and monasticism, a couple of incomplete drafts for novels and a fair quantity of poetry, published and unpublished, some of it dramatically "experimental" in style.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

However, I worry whenever I hear concerns expressed about the environmental impact of replacement protein such as tofu, of which I now eat a fair quantity.

The Guardian

A fair amount of time passed.

The New Yorker

I smoke a fair amount of marijuana.

The New York Times - Magazine

They take a fair amount of work.

The New York Times

I see a fair amount of energy.

Forbes

A fair amount of stretching goes on.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a fair quantity of" when you want to indicate a moderate amount without being overly precise. This phrase works well when the exact number is less important than the general sense of sufficiency.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on phrases like "a fair quantity of" without providing additional context or specificity. While useful in certain situations, overuse can lead to ambiguity and weaken your writing. Balance vague quantifiers with more precise measurements where appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a fair quantity of" functions as a determiner phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a moderate or reasonable amount. Ludwig examples show it preceding nouns like "adult beverages", "poetry" and "cookware" to describe a certain sufficiency.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a fair quantity of" serves to denote a moderate or reasonable amount, suitable for various contexts where precision isn't critical. According to Ludwig, it’s grammatically sound and most commonly encountered in news and media, wikis, and scientific texts. Though its usage is acceptable, remember that over-reliance on vague quantifiers can reduce writing clarity. For enhanced precision, consider alternatives like "a reasonable amount of" or "a decent amount of" when the situation demands. Avoid ambiguous language by adding more specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a reasonable amount of

Emphasizes the sufficiency and appropriateness of the amount.

a decent amount of

Highlights that the quantity is adequate and acceptable.

a considerable quantity of

Suggests the amount is large enough to be noteworthy.

a goodly amount of

Implies a generously large and pleasing quantity.

a substantial quantity of

Focuses on the significant size or importance of the amount.

a moderate amount of

Indicates the amount is neither excessive nor deficient.

a satisfactory quantity of

Stresses that the amount is enough to meet requirements or expectations.

a respectable amount of

Suggests the amount is worthy of admiration or consideration.

a tolerable amount of

Implies the amount is acceptable, even if not ideal.

an equitable amount of

Focuses on the fairness and justness of the amount.

FAQs

What does "a fair quantity of" mean?

The phrase "a fair quantity of" refers to a moderate or reasonable amount of something. It suggests that there is enough of something to be considered satisfactory or adequate, without being excessive.

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

It's appropriate to use "a fair quantity of" when you want to indicate a moderate amount without being overly precise. This works well when the exact number is less important than the general sense of sufficiency. For more formal or precise contexts, consider using specific measurements or more descriptive terms.

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

Alternatives to "a fair quantity of" include "a reasonable amount of", "a decent amount of", or "a considerable quantity of". The best alternative depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "a fair quantity of" formal or informal?

The phrase "a fair quantity of" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, for highly formal or scientific writing, more precise language might be preferred.