a finite amount of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a finite amount of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a specific, limited quantity of something. Example: "In our experiment, we only have a finite amount of resources to work with."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"There's a finite amount of time.

The New York Times

There isn't a finite amount of soil.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

ME: Because there's a finite amount of land.

The New Yorker

"There's a finite amount of water," she said.

The New York Times

There is only a finite amount of usable resources.

The New York Times

The trouble is, there's a finite amount of it".

Independent

First, we should understand that there is a finite amount of radioactive material at these plants.

The New York Times

"The party has a finite amount of money," one national official said.

The New York Times

There's a finite amount of time you're going to be doing this.

The New York Times

Mr. Babbitt, now a consultant, said: "There's a finite amount of concrete.

The New York Times

Typical theater sinks circulate a finite amount of water through a hidden tank.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When emphasizing the exhaustibility or limited nature of a resource, use "a finite amount of". For example, "There is a finite amount of clean water available" underscores the importance of conservation.

Common error

Avoid using "a finite amount of" when discussing abstract concepts where limitation is already implied. Saying "a finite amount of love" is less effective than simply stating "limited love" because love, by its nature, is often perceived as having limits in certain contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a finite amount of" functions as a determiner phrase modifying a noun. It specifies that the noun it modifies has a limited and measurable quantity. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is commonly used to emphasize scarcity or limitation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

24%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a finite amount of" is a versatile phrase used to denote that something exists in a limited quantity. As Ludwig AI validates, it's grammatically sound and frequently employed across diverse writing styles. It's especially common in news and media, science, and business contexts to underscore resource limitations. While interchangeable with terms like "limited quantity" or "specific number", the choice depends on nuance. When writing, be mindful to use it when the finite nature is relevant and avoid overuse in inherently limited scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a limited quantity of

Replaces "finite" with "limited", emphasizing restriction rather than the defined nature.

a specific number of

Focuses on the numerical aspect, highlighting that the amount is countable and known.

a fixed quantity of

Stresses the idea that the amount is unchangeable and predetermined.

a measurable amount of

Highlights the ability to quantify the amount, implying it can be precisely determined.

a determined quantity of

Emphasizes that the amount has been decided or established.

a certain quantity of

Indicates that the amount is known, though not necessarily specified.

a defined portion of

Shifts focus to the concept of a share or segment that is clearly delineated.

a restricted volume of

Similar to 'limited quantity' but uses 'volume', which can be more appropriate depending on context.

a circumscribed quantity of

Replaces "finite" with "circumscribed", a less common but more formal synonym, stressing containment.

a bounded amount of

Highlights that the amount is kept within certain limits or boundaries.

FAQs

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

Use "a finite amount of" to describe something limited in quantity or extent. For example, "We have "a finite amount of time" to complete the project", or "There's "a finite amount of resources" available."

What phrases are similar to "a finite amount of"?

Alternatives include "a limited quantity of", "a specific number of", or "a fixed quantity of". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it more appropriate to say "finite quantity" or "finite amount"?

Both are correct. "Amount" is generally used for things that cannot be easily counted (like water or time), while "quantity" can be used for countable or uncountable things. So, while you can use "a finite quantity of" water, the nuance may lead you to prefer "amount".

Can "a finite amount of" be used with both countable and uncountable nouns?

Yes, although it's more commonly used with uncountable nouns. For countable nouns, consider whether emphasizing the limitation with "finite" is truly necessary, as alternatives like "a limited number of" may be more appropriate.