a heavy amount of

USAGE SUMMARY

"a heavy amount of" is a perfectly acceptable phrase to use in written English.
It is usually used to describe a large quantity of an object or concept. For example, you could say, "The storm brought a heavy amount of rain."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

"There's a heavy amount of politics involved in it – with Rumney Rec and the schools decision – that would never have happened if that was in Cyncoed.

The Guardian

For regular dealing, an urban area where a heavy amount of traffic coming out of a location that is less likely to draw attention is more opportune.

The New York Times

BHP has also been under pressure from its shareholders to deploy capital and take advantage of its balance sheet, which does not carry a heavy amount of debt.

The New York Times

Dynegy is expected to become cash flow negative next year, in part because of low natural gas prices, and it bears a heavy amount of debt.

The New York Times

Medco finally reached out to Express Scripts about a sale several weeks ago, and the two companies quickly put together the transaction without a heavy amount of due diligence, these people added.

The New York Times

Pour over crumbled stuffing, sprinkle a heavy amount of shredded Gruyère on top and bake in an 8-by-8-inch dish at 350 until browned and bubbly, about 50 minutes.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

Even though I've stopped fixating on my "need" to relax with a cocktail (or 12), I still remain vigilant about occasions that could involve a heavier amount of drinking.

Huffington Post

Never try to lift a very heavy amount of weight without a spotter ready to help you.

WikiHow

Instead of adding to your comb and risk a heavy amount in one area of the hair, you can rub the oil between your hands and lightly run your fingers through your hair.

WikiHow

"At times I was on a very heavy amount of Valium, not to where I was unconscious, but the sedative combined with my already defeated self, I was like putty.

The Guardian

As you might imagine, capturing this much data requires a pretty heavy amount of storage, so this thing ain't free.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a heavy amount of", ensure the context clearly benefits from the emphasis on weight or burden. If the sheer size or quantity is more relevant, consider using alternatives like "a large quantity of" or "a substantial volume of".

Common error

Avoid using "a heavy amount of" when you simply mean a large quantity. "Heavy" implies weight, burden, or intensity. If the context lacks these connotations, opt for a more neutral term like "large" or "significant".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a heavy amount of" functions as a quantifier, modifying a noun to indicate a large quantity or degree. Ludwig shows it is used to emphasize the burdensome or intense nature of the quantity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Science

24%

Wiki

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a heavy amount of" is a versatile phrase used to describe a significant quantity, often with an implicit emphasis on its burden or intensity. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct and finds common use in news, science, and general writing. While alternatives like "a large quantity of" or "a substantial volume of" exist, "a heavy amount of" is particularly suitable when the quantity's impact or difficulty is relevant. When employing the phrase, consider whether the context genuinely benefits from this emphasis to ensure clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a large quantity of

Replaces "heavy" with "large", emphasizing size rather than weight.

a significant quantity of

Substitutes "heavy" with "significant", highlighting importance and impact.

a considerable quantity of

Uses "considerable" instead of "heavy", indicating a noteworthy and appreciable amount.

a substantial volume of

Employs "substantial volume" to emphasize the bulk or magnitude.

a great deal of

Replaces the more formal "heavy amount" with the idiomatic "great deal", making it less precise.

a generous portion of

Highlights abundance, especially in contexts like food or resources.

an excessive quantity of

Adds a negative connotation, suggesting too much of something.

a profusion of

Indicates an overflowing abundance or lavish supply.

an abundance of

Highlights a plentiful or ample quantity.

a glut of

Suggests an oversupply, often leading to negative consequences.

FAQs

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

You can use "a heavy amount of" to describe a large quantity of something that is perceived as burdensome or intense. For example, "The project required "a heavy amount of" overtime".

What phrases can I use instead of "a heavy amount of"?

Alternatives include phrases like "a large quantity of", "a significant amount of", or "a substantial volume of", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "a heavy amount of" or "a large amount of"?

The choice depends on the context. "A heavy amount of" emphasizes the burden or intensity associated with the quantity, while "a large amount of" simply refers to the quantity itself.

What is the difference between "a heavy amount of" and "heavy amounts of"?

"A heavy amount of" refers to a singular, non-countable idea of a large quantity. "Heavy amounts of" refers to multiple instances of large quantities, suggesting a cumulative effect.