a function of the amount

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a function of the amount" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are discussing how one variable depends on or is influenced by the quantity of another variable. Example: "The cost of production is a function of the amount of raw materials used."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A feature of adenovirus infection is that functional expression level of the recombinant enzyme is modulated as a function of the amount of virus used.

Archives of Toxicology

House prices, some argue, are simply a function of the amount of money a mortgage lender is prepared to lend.

The Guardian - Money

Cell attachment was subsequently investigated as a function of the amount of entrapped PEG.

Applied Surface Science

The oxidation rate is a function of the amount of molten salt deposited on the foam.

Catalysis Today

Reliability is not a function of the amount of wire in the air; it's a function of the standards by which the system is operated.

The New York Times

The long period of the crystalline morphology increases as a function of the amount of PVME.

Polymer

One observed a linear variation of the capacitance as a function of the amount of PEDOT.

Electrochimica Acta

After all, if genius were simply a function of the amount of data at your fingertips, then every smartphone owner would be another Einstein.

The Washington Post

In particular, the average duration of a customer's relationship with the company is partly a function of the amount spent on retention efforts.

Harvard Business Review

That would have weakened the power of the Environmental Protection Agency and the states, led by California, to regulate auto emissions of carbon dioxide, which are in large measure a function of the amount of fuel burned.

The New York Times

The field required to operate the device is a function of the amount of overlap, and there is an optimum overlap corresponding to minimum required operating current.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a function of the amount", ensure the relationship between the variables is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. Specify if the relationship is linear, exponential, or otherwise.

Common error

Avoid using "a function of the amount" when multiple factors significantly influence the outcome. This phrase suggests a primary dependency on quantity alone, potentially overlooking other crucial variables.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a function of the amount" serves as a relational expression, indicating that one variable or outcome is dependent upon, determined by, or varies in accordance with the quantity or measure of another. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating this dependence in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

78%

News & Media

13%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a function of the amount" is a versatile phrase used to express a relationship where one thing depends on the quantity of another. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. It appears most frequently in scientific contexts, but also in news and encyclopedic sources. Alternatives include "dependent on the quantity" or "proportional to the quantity". When using this phrase, ensure that the relationship is well-defined and that other significant factors are not overlooked. This phrase helps establish clear, quantifiable connections between variables in various domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dependent on the quantity

Replaces "function of" with a more direct "dependent on", emphasizing the direct relationship to quantity.

determined by the quantity

Substitutes "function of" with "determined by", indicating a more definitive and causal link to the quantity.

proportional to the quantity

Implies a direct and consistent relationship where one increases as the other increases.

related to the quantity

A more general term suggesting a connection or association with the amount, lacking the implied precision of "function of".

a result of the quantity

Frames the outcome as a consequence of the amount, highlighting the causal effect.

varies with the quantity

Highlights how changes in one factor correlate with changes in amount.

scales with the quantity

Suggests a scaling relationship where one changes in proportion to the amount.

is governed by the quantity

Indicates that the amount imposes control or influence.

conditioned by the quantity

Suggests that a certain condition is a factor of the quantity.

a consequence of the amount

Emphasizes that something is the result of the quantity.

FAQs

How can I use "a function of the amount" in a sentence?

Use "a function of the amount" to describe how one variable depends on the quantity of another, such as "The price is "dependent on the amount" of materials used".

What's a more formal way to say "a function of the amount"?

In formal writing, consider alternatives like "determined by the quantity" or "is proportional to the quantity" to convey a more precise and technical relationship.

Is it always accurate to say something is "a function of the amount"?

Not always. While "a function of the amount" implies a strong relationship, it's essential to ensure that quantity is the primary determining factor, and not other variables influencing the outcome.

What's the difference between saying something is "related to the amount" versus "a function of the amount"?

"Related to the amount" suggests a general connection, while "a function of the amount" implies a more direct and mathematically definable relationship. The latter is more precise.