a given quantity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a given quantity" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in mathematical, scientific, or technical contexts to refer to a specific amount or value that is assumed or provided for the purpose of discussion or calculation. Example: "In this equation, we will use a given quantity of 10 liters to determine the total volume."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Boyle's law says that pressure and volume are inversely related for a given quantity of gas.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Usually, for a given quantity of resources, we will do more good if we help those who are worst off, because they have the greatest unmet needs.

The New York Times - Magazine

Over the years, as the technology of such models has improved, they have been converting a given quantity of gas to larger and larger amounts of electricity.

The New York Times

Contracts can also be arranged on a lump-sum basis, when an owner agrees to ship a given quantity of a stated cargo from one port to another for a stated sum of money.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The ballistic pendulum, invented by the English mathematician Benjamin Robins, provided a means of measuring muzzle velocity and, hence, of accurately gauging the effective power of a given quantity of powder.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The same quality of sugar which exchanged, twenty years ago, for a given quantity of manufactures, iron or hardware, will now command at least three times the quantity of those articles.

The Economist

By incorporating deuterium and tritium into the core of the fissile material, a higher yield is obtained from a given quantity of fissile material or, alternatively, the same yield is achieved with a smaller amount.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Thus, while the supply of these great necessaries is limited to a given quantity, the chief effect of increased production at home is to lower its exchangeable value for the article of which the quantity is fixed.

The Economist

This empirical relation, formulated by the physicist Robert Boyle in 1662, states that the pressure (p) of a given quantity of gas varies inversely with its volume (v) at constant temperature; i.e., in equation form, pv = k, a constant.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The McLeod gauge takes advantage of Boyle's law (the product of pressure and volume for a given quantity of gas remains constant if a constant temperature is maintained) to determine gas pressure within a range of 10 to 10-6 torr.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In a stochastic clock the probability of a certain amount of change is constant (for example, a given quantity of atoms of radium-226 is expected, through decay, to be reduced by half in 1,620 years), although some variation occurs in the actual amount of change.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a given quantity", ensure that the context clearly establishes what is providing or defining that quantity to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a given quantity" without providing sufficient context. Ensure the reader understands where the quantity originates or how it's being determined.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a given quantity" functions as a determiner phrase that modifies a noun, specifying a particular amount or measure. Ludwig examples confirm its use in various contexts where precise quantification is necessary.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

69%

Encyclopedias

13%

News & Media

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a given quantity" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to denote a specific, predetermined amount. Ludwig AI analysis highlights its prevalence in scientific, encyclopedic, and news contexts. The phrase's function is to specify an amount or measure, aiding in clear communication within technical domains. For enhanced clarity, it's advisable to provide adequate context when using this phrase, ensuring that the defined quantity is easily understood. Alternative phrases such as "a specific amount" or "a fixed quantity" can be used to add variety or to emphasize particular aspects of the quantity being described.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a specific amount

Emphasizes the particular and defined nature of the amount.

a fixed quantity

Highlights the unchanging nature of the quantity.

a predetermined amount

Focuses on the fact that the amount was decided in advance.

a set quantity

Suggests a pre-established or designated amount.

a defined quantity

Emphasizes the clarity and precision of the amount.

a known quantity

Highlights that the amount is already established or understood.

a particular quantity

Stresses the distinctness of the quantity.

a certain amount

Implies that the amount is definite but not necessarily specified.

a designated quantity

Indicates that the quantity has been officially assigned or allocated.

an established quantity

Focuses on the fact that the quantity is well-recognized and accepted.

FAQs

How can I use "a given quantity" in a sentence?

Use "a given quantity" to refer to a specific, known amount of something. For example, "The experiment requires "a given quantity" of the substance".

What phrases are similar to "a given quantity"?

Alternatives include "a specific amount", "a fixed quantity", or "a predetermined amount", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "a specific quantity" or "a given quantity"?

Both phrases are acceptable, but "a given quantity" often implies the amount is already established or provided, while "a specific quantity" simply emphasizes that the amount is particular and defined.

In what contexts is "a given quantity" most appropriate?

"A given quantity" is particularly useful in scientific, mathematical, or technical contexts where precise amounts are essential for calculations or experiments.