a reasonable supply of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a reasonable supply of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to an adequate or sufficient amount of something, typically in contexts involving resources or provisions. Example: "The project requires a reasonable supply of materials to ensure timely completion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

He has also a reasonable supply of harness.

The New Yorker

A reasonable supply of statistical data exists to paint a picture of third sector leadership.

The Guardian

As almost everybody lives ever longer, a reasonable supply of young people is needed to counterbalance and fund the pensions of a growing number of older folk.

The Economist

The supply of oxygen to the mitochondria at an adequate rate is a critical function of the respiratory system, because the cells maintain only a limited store of high-energy phosphates and of oxygen, whereas they usually have a reasonable supply of substrates in stock.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Even when life was much shorter than today there was a reasonable supply of older males: among hunter gatherers with an expected lifespan of 33.5 yrs, the ratio of 70 yr olds to 30 yr olds was about 0.32 and to 40 yr olds was about 0.37 [5].

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

If this is the way you pursue your hobby, gradually build up a reasonable selection of supplies as your budget permits.

WikiHow

Over the course of a century, the city had established a reasonable water supply.

The New York Times - Magazine

He added, however, that the situation may not have been straightforward for the corporation because "Microsoft had to make a judgment as to what levels of royalty would be regarded as reasonable for supply of the interoperability information".

The New York Times - Tech

There were two periods in the 20th century when housing supply did a reasonable job of meeting housing demand and need.

The Guardian

Rational antimicrobial drug policies, essential decision-support tools in the battle against resistance, are impossible to develop or to implement without an ensured supply of a reasonable range of drugs.

Emerging Infectious Diseases

There is need: to ensure adequate food supplies both at the national and local level, to create a reasonable degree of stability in the supply food network, and to ensure the ability of households to physically and economically access the food that is required.

FAO

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a reasonable supply of", ensure the context clarifies what constitutes 'reasonable' in that specific situation. For instance, "a reasonable supply of water" during a drought will differ from normal conditions.

Common error

Avoid using "a reasonable supply of" when referring to very large or excessive amounts. Instead, use phrases like "an abundance of" or "a vast quantity of" to better reflect the actual magnitude.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a reasonable supply of" functions as a noun phrase that modifies another noun, indicating the presence of an adequate or suitable amount of something. Ludwig indicates that this is a grammatically correct usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a reasonable supply of" is a grammatically sound and usable expression for indicating an adequate quantity of something. Ludwig's analysis, drawing from diverse sources like news outlets, scientific publications, and encyclopedias, reveals that it often appears in contexts related to resources and provisions. While not exceedingly common, the phrase conveys a sense of sufficiency suitable for neutral to formal communication. It's more fitting for professional, news-related, and academic/scientific discourse. Keep in mind that "reasonable" is subjective, so make sure the context provides enough information.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an adequate quantity of

Replaces "reasonable supply" with a more formal term, focusing on sufficiency.

a sufficient amount of

Emphasizes that the quantity is enough for a particular purpose.

a fair share of

Indicates an equitable or just portion of something.

an ample provision of

Highlights the generosity or abundance of the supply.

a decent stock of

Implies a satisfactory and usable reserve.

a moderate quantity of

Suggests a quantity that is neither excessive nor deficient.

an acceptable level of

Focuses on the suitability or permissibility of the amount.

a satisfactory provision of

Underscores that the supply meets expectations or requirements.

an appropriate measure of

Indicates the quantity is suitable for a specific situation.

a practical amount of

Focuses on the usefulness and applicability of the quantity.

FAQs

How can I use "a reasonable supply of" in a sentence?

You can use "a reasonable supply of" to indicate an adequate amount of something. For example, "The company maintains "a reasonable supply of" raw materials to ensure uninterrupted production".

What are some alternatives to "a reasonable supply of"?

Alternatives include "an adequate quantity of", "a sufficient amount of", or "a fair share of", depending on the specific context.

Is it more formal to say "a reasonable supply of" or "an adequate supply of"?

While both are acceptable, "an adequate supply of" is generally considered slightly more formal than "a reasonable supply of".

What does "a reasonable supply of" imply about the amount?

It implies that the amount is neither excessive nor deficient but is sufficient to meet the needs or demands of a particular situation.