a hefty amount

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a hefty amount" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a large quantity or significant sum of something, often in a financial context. Example: "The project required a hefty amount of funding to get off the ground."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

Banks have to raise a hefty amount.

The New York Times

Monch could have called in a hefty amount of favours, but instead has limited guest spots.

Independent

A hefty amount of torque is available from about 4,000 r.p.m. upward.

The New York Times

It requires a hefty amount of data to reproduce a video or a musical score.

The Economist

That meant the Knicks' youngsters would again receive a hefty amount of playing time.

The New York Times - Sports

There's been a hefty amount of kerfuffle, generally, leading up to this film, a late sequel to a 2001 original.

Independent

Hoshiyar Singh, 45, owns 50 acres of land, which will rake in a hefty amount of compensation.

The New York Times

It's a package with a hefty amount of stock grants worth about $22.5 million, atop a $1 million annual salary.

The New York Times

Joint ventures, strategic alliances, purchasing agreements, and other types of partnerships between organizations often begin with a great deal of promise and a hefty amount of risk.

Harvard University

Back in the day, there were betting pools, a hefty amount of beer consumed and a hazy smoke with a whiff of the illicit.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

In Egypt that license would cost $80,000 a year a hefty amount for a start-up.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a hefty amount" when you want to emphasize that something is not just a large quantity, but also implies a significant or impactful size, especially in contexts like resources, effort, or investment. It carries a slightly stronger connotation than "a large amount".

Common error

Avoid using "a hefty amount" to describe something negative or undesirable unless the intention is to add a touch of ironic humor. 'Hefty' generally carries a positive connotation of abundance or strength, so it might sound odd if applied to problems or difficulties without a specific effect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a hefty amount" functions as a determiner phrase modifying a noun, indicating a considerable quantity or degree. Ludwig's examples show it commonly precedes nouns related to resources, effort, or money, emphasizing the substantial nature of the amount.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Academia

9%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a hefty amount" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe a considerable quantity or degree, and, according to Ludwig, it is suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and media. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase functions as a determiner modifying a noun, emphasizing significance. While versatile, it's best to ensure 'hefty' aligns with the intended positive connotation of abundance and strength. For more formal contexts, consider synonyms like "substantial" or "significant".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a substantial quantity

Emphasizes the considerable size or volume.

a considerable sum

Specifically refers to a large amount of money.

a significant portion

Highlights the importance or impact of the quantity.

a large volume

Focuses on the bulk or capacity.

a great deal

A more general and slightly less formal way to express a large quantity.

an appreciable quantity

Suggests the amount is noticeable or measurable.

a sizable quantity

Similar to substantial, but slightly less formal.

a generous helping

Implies an abundance or more than enough.

a plentiful supply

Emphasizes the abundance and availability.

a mountain of

Uses a metaphor to illustrate a large accumulation.

FAQs

How can I use "a hefty amount" in a sentence?

You can use "a hefty amount" to describe a large quantity or significant sum of something. For example, "The project required "a hefty amount" of funding" or "She dedicated "a hefty amount" of time to the research".

What are some alternatives to "a hefty amount"?

Alternatives include "a substantial quantity", "a considerable sum", or "a significant portion", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "a hefty amount" in formal writing?

Yes, "a hefty amount" is generally appropriate for formal writing, especially when emphasizing the significance of the quantity. However, in very formal or scientific contexts, more precise alternatives like "a substantial quantity" might be preferred.

What is the difference between "a hefty amount" and "a large amount"?

"A hefty amount" implies not just a large quantity, but also that the quantity is significant or impactful. "A large amount" is more neutral, while "a hefty amount" adds emphasis and often suggests a positive connotation of abundance or strength.