a generous measure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a generous measure" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a substantial or ample amount of something, often in a positive context. Example: "The recipe calls for a generous measure of olive oil to enhance the flavor of the dish."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Food

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

At home, he poured a generous measure.

The New Yorker

Yet we take each step with a generous measure of never-ending curiosity and wonder".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The listed 33-plus inches of rear "legroom" seems a generous measure.

The New York Times

And this is probably a generous measure; reported earnings ignore write-offs, which have recently been huge.

The Economist

The barman, who knows he can't smell, adds a generous measure of lime cordial to his beer, for sweetness.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Sure enough, Abrams's Star Trek zips along, fuelled by state-of-the-art special effects, agreeable young actors and a generous measure of comedy.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

In Portugal, they serve a drink called amarguinha – a mixture of a light, bitter almond liqueur and a very generous measure of lemon juice.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Benefits were indexed to a less generous measure of inflation and then capped at 1% per year.

The Economist

In particular, they are angry at the president's proposal to link further increases in social security to a less generous measure of inflation, known as the "chained" consumer price index, or CPI.

The Guardian

As George Goodwin shows in a sensitive, finely textured and moving account of Franklin's years in London, he enjoyed a very generous measure of domestic contentment in the imperial capital over the course of nearly two decades (with one brief interruption in 1762-64).

The Guardian - Books

Mr Obama, who had previously said Social Security (pensions) were not on the table, has agreed to index benefits to a less generous measure of inflation.Big gaps remained as The Economist went to press: the Republicans want bigger cuts to entitlements, in particular Medicare benefits (health care for the elderly).

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a generous measure" to convey not just quantity, but also a sense of abundance and positive intent. For instance, in recipes or when describing acts of kindness, it adds a favorable connotation.

Common error

Avoid using "a generous measure" in contexts where impartiality or precision is required. Its positive connotation might be inappropriate for scientific measurements or legal descriptions, where neutrality is key.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a generous measure" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as a subject complement or object of a preposition. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in written English. It describes a substantial or ample amount of something, often in a positive context.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Food

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a generous measure" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase suitable for describing substantial quantities, especially in contexts like cooking, hospitality, or favorable assessments. Ludwig AI validates its correctness. It is most commonly found in news and lifestyle media and should be used cautiously in scientific or legal writing where precise measurements are required. Alternatives such as "a plentiful amount" or "a liberal helping" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Be mindful of its connotation to avoid misinterpretations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a plentiful amount

Emphasizes abundance rather than just a sufficient quantity.

a sizable portion

Focuses on the size of a serving or quantity.

a liberal helping

Highlights the act of giving freely and abundantly.

an ample quantity

Stresses the adequacy and sufficiency of the amount.

a lavish dose

Suggests an extravagant and abundant application.

a considerable extent

Indicates a significant degree or scope.

a substantial degree

Emphasizes the importance and magnitude of the quantity.

a hearty portion

Implies a fulfilling and satisfying amount, often related to food or drink.

a bounteous supply

Highlights the abundant and readily available nature of the quantity.

a goodly amount

Suggests a pleasing and reasonably large quantity.

FAQs

How can I use "a generous measure" in a sentence?

You can use "a generous measure" to describe a large or ample amount of something, often with a positive connotation. For example, "The chef added "a generous measure of salt" to enhance the flavor."

What can I say instead of "a generous measure"?

Alternatives include "a plentiful amount", "a sizable portion", or "a liberal helping", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "a very generous measure"?

Yes, "a very generous measure" is grammatically correct and emphasizes that the amount is exceptionally large or abundant. Examples from Ludwig include sentences where "a very generous measure" is used to describe domestic contentment.

What is the difference between "a generous measure" and "a less generous measure"?

"A generous measure" indicates a large or ample amount, while "a less generous measure" indicates a smaller or more restricted amount. This distinction is often used when comparing benefits or policies.