a proper quantity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a proper quantity" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing an appropriate or suitable amount of something in various contexts, such as cooking, measurements, or resource allocation. Example: "To ensure the recipe turns out well, it's important to use a proper quantity of each ingredient."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

In the United States, Article VI of the Articles of Confederation, drafted in 1776 and ratified in 1781, required that "every state shall always keep up a well regulated and disciplined militia, sufficiently armed and accoutred, and shall provide and constantly have ready for use, in public stores, a due number of field pieces and tents, and a proper quantity of arms, ammunition and camp equipage".

The New Yorker

Then, a syringe pumping controller is used to pump a proper quantity of working fluid into the chamber.

Nanoscale Research Letters

The substation area protection and control device has a proper quantity of communication interfaces, which adapts to various networking modes on station and process level of smart substations.

Journal of Modern Power Systems and Clean Energy

However, a proper quantity and quality of bone is a prerequisite not always present [ 1].

BioMed Research International

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

To compute these probabilities for a node u with children v and w, it is simpler to enumerate all pairs (y a, y c, y g, y t, k v ), (z a, z c, z g, z t, k w ) of quintuplets from the hash tables of the two children, and add the proper quantity to the entry ((y a, y c, y g, y t ) ⊕ (z a, z c, z g, z t ), k u ) of the hash table at u, for all choices of k u.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

In this research, we stress water scarcity as a problem that arises when water is not found in proper quantity and quality at the appropriate place and time.

Agricultural Systems

Knowledge about soil moisture is essential to maximize irrigation efficiency because it allows the application of water in the proper quantity and at the proper time, thus improving water management.

Agricultural Water Management

"Everyone will get the proper quantity of food, at the proper price," he says.

BBC

Proper quantity of sodium in human body prevents many fatal diseases like kidney damages, hypertension, headache etc.

Environmental Systems Research

In addition, proper quantity and quality of pollen not only reduce sensitivity to pesticides [ 13], but also help the bees to fight against pathogens, like microsporidia [ 14], bacteria [ 15] and virus [ 16], as pollen nutrition actually enhances honey bee immune function [ 17].

BMC Genomics

If taken, it should be consumed in proper quantity and only within the first six hours of exposure.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a proper quantity", ensure that the context clearly defines what constitutes 'proper' for the situation. Be specific about the criteria for determining the appropriate amount.

Common error

Avoid using "a proper quantity" without specifying what makes it 'proper'. Instead of saying 'Add a proper quantity of salt', specify 'Add a proper quantity of salt, about a teaspoon, to taste'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a proper quantity" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It indicates that the quantity being referred to is appropriate or suitable for a particular purpose or situation. As Ludwig AI points out, its grammatical status is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

30%

Wiki

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a proper quantity" is a phrase used to describe an amount that is suitable or appropriate for a specific purpose. While grammatically correct, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's important to define what makes the quantity 'proper' in the given context to avoid vagueness. Alternatives like "adequate amount" or "suitable quantity" can be used depending on the nuance you wish to convey. Although Ludwig's examples are somewhat limited, the contexts generally span science, news media, and wiki-style guides, suggesting a broad applicability with an emphasis on accuracy and appropriateness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

adequate amount

Replaces "proper" with "adequate", implying sufficiency but not necessarily perfection.

suitable quantity

Substitutes "proper" with "suitable", suggesting the amount is appropriate for a specific purpose.

appropriate measure

Uses "measure" instead of "quantity", often applicable when discussing precise measurements.

correct proportion

Emphasizes the relationship between different elements, focusing on balance rather than absolute amount.

sufficient volume

Replaces "quantity" with "volume", applicable when referring to liquids or gases.

right dosage

Specifically used in contexts involving medicine or chemicals, indicating the correct amount to administer.

optimal level

Suggests the best possible amount for a specific outcome, implying optimization.

requisite amount

Implies the amount is necessary or required for a specific purpose or requirement.

specified quantity

Highlights that the amount is predetermined or defined by a specific rule or guideline.

exact measurement

Focuses on precision and accuracy, emphasizing the importance of a precise amount.

FAQs

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

You can use "a proper quantity" to describe the appropriate amount of something needed for a specific purpose. For instance, "To bake the cake successfully, you need "a proper quantity" of flour and sugar".

What are some alternatives to "a proper quantity"?

Alternatives include "adequate amount", "suitable quantity", or "appropriate measure", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "a proper quantity" or "an appropriate amount"?

Both phrases are correct and often interchangeable. However, ""a proper quantity"" might imply a specific, well-defined amount, while "an appropriate amount" could suggest a more flexible or context-dependent amount.

What does "proper" mean in the context of "a proper quantity"?

In this context, "proper" means suitable, appropriate, or correct. It indicates that the amount is right for achieving a desired outcome or meeting a specific requirement.