a quantity of sand

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a quantity of sand" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to an unspecified amount of sand, often in contexts related to construction, landscaping, or natural environments. Example: "We need to order a quantity of sand for the new playground installation."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Sand dunes in the area are quite mobile during storm events and heavy rain, so the bottle could have been subject to "cyclical periods of exposure" which could have led to the cork in the bottle drying out and becoming dislodged, "while the tightly rolled paper along with a quantity of sand remained inside preserved".

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Buy a suitable small dish (8cm diameter would be ideal) and specialist rodent bathing sand (often sold for chinchillas and degus), about once a week every week place the dish and a small quantity of sand in the upper are of the gerbilarium so as to allow the gerbils to have a sand bath.

WikiHow

This work aims to evaluate the inclusion of waste tyres within Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete panels as a way to reduce the quantity of sand while giving a second use to a recycled material thus reaching a double ecological benefit.

Construction and Building Materials

The country around is enclosed by mountains, with a valley opening towards the sea, in which the river overflowing forms a quantity of marsh land with deep banks of sand, and discharges itself into the sea on a very unsafe and rough shore.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The current investigation enables to find the influence of the main factors (water cement ratio, fiber content, fineness and quantity of sand) on the concrete mixture stiffness, compressive and flexural strength of concrete.

Materials & Design

On hard courts, the quantity of sand used in the surface paint largely determines the height of the ball's bounce (and, therefore, whether the court plays "slow" or "fast"), while the length and type of grass used at Wimbledon, the most famous tennis tournament, has a similar effect.

The Economist

The size of the pan should depend upon your quantity of sand and salt, since you will need room for water in addition to these ingredients.

WikiHow

(A) Quantity of biofilm formation.

Nature

From 30 dph on, these larvae were subsequently graded into three distinct sizes (large, medium and small) every week up to 65 dph, and transferred into cylindrical three-ton capacity tanks with continuous flow-through of optimum quantity of sand-filtered seawater.

BMC Genomics

A haboob may transport huge quantities of sand or dust, which move as a dense wall that can reach a height of 1,000 metres (about 3,300 feet).

Britannica

Foundry industry produces a huge quantity of foundry sand; its management has become an environmental, economic and social imperative since it is now considered as dangerous waste.

Construction and Building Materials

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing materials in technical reports, use "a quantity of sand" to denote an unspecified but relevant amount, providing context or further specification as needed for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "a quantity of sand" in casual conversations; simpler terms like "some sand" or "a bit of sand" are often more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a quantity of sand" functions as a noun phrase, specifically a determiner phrase functioning as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig confirms the phrase's grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

23%

Science

22%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Academia

9%

Encyclopedias

7%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a quantity of sand" is a grammatically sound and usable English phrase to denote an unspecified amount of sand. While correct and versatile, it leans towards a neutral or somewhat formal register, as confirmed by Ludwig. Consider simpler alternatives like "some sand" in informal settings. Its frequency is uncommon, with usage observed in scientific, news media and technical contexts. Remember to provide context or further specification when using this phrase in technical reports or formal writing to ensure clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an amount of sand

This is a more direct synonym, replacing "quantity" with "amount" for clarity.

some sand

This alternative uses a simpler term for an unspecified amount, reducing formality.

a load of sand

Suggests a substantial amount, often implying enough to fill a container or vehicle.

a bit of sand

Indicates a small amount of sand, implying less than "a quantity".

a pile of sand

Refers to sand accumulated in a heap, specifying form rather than just amount.

a volume of sand

Focuses on the three-dimensional space occupied by the sand, more technical.

a certain amount of sand

Highlights the uncertainty or lack of precise knowledge about the amount.

a measure of sand

Emphasizes a specific, possibly predetermined amount, suitable in recipes or experiments.

a supply of sand

Implies sand that is available for use or distribution, rather than just an existing amount.

a portion of sand

Suggests a share or serving of sand, distancing from quantity.

FAQs

How can I use "a quantity of sand" in a sentence?

You can use "a quantity of sand" to refer to an unspecified amount of sand, such as, "We need to order "a quantity of sand" for the new playground."

What are some alternatives to "a quantity of sand"?

Alternatives include "some sand", "an amount of sand", or "a bit of sand", depending on the desired level of formality and the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "a quantity of sand" instead of "some sand"?

"A quantity of sand" is suitable for more formal writing or technical descriptions. In casual conversation, "some sand" is often sufficient.

Is "a quantity of sand" the same as "a pile of sand"?

No, "a quantity of sand" refers to an unspecified amount, while "a pile of sand" suggests sand accumulated in a heap. The phrases are not interchangeable in all contexts.