a respectable quantity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a respectable quantity" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to an amount that is considered significant or worthy of respect in a particular context. Example: "The research team collected a respectable quantity of data over the course of the study, which allowed for thorough analysis."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The city already boasts a fine symphony orchestra, several decent museums, and a respectable quantity of splashy architecture.

The Economist

Celebrations of the Mendelssohn bicentennial have paled next to the epic Mozart blowout of 2006, but a respectable quantity of Mendelssohn's music has been heard in New York halls in recent weeks.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Not to be outdone, Britain's Marc Quinn froze an impressive quantity of his own blood to create a self-portrait that has become a respectable treasure of the National Portrait Gallery.

The Guardian - Arts

There was a considerable increase in the quantity and sophistication of historical work on Persia and Sparta, and war studies regained its status as a respectable branch of sociocultural history.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A respectable showing would suffice.

The New York Times - Magazine

Unemployment is a respectable 5.5%.

The Economist

That is a respectable calling.

The Economist

In a respectable way.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

A respectable conservative.

The Guardian - Opinion

Still, Patrick finished a respectable eighth.

The New York Times - Sports

UK teens ranked a respectable ninth.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a respectable quantity" when you want to indicate that an amount is not only adequate but also worthy of consideration or admiration in a specific context. For example, "The museum houses a respectable quantity of Renaissance paintings" suggests the collection is both sizable and of high quality.

Common error

Avoid using "a respectable quantity" when simply referring to a large amount without any implication of worth or admiration. Using "a large quantity" might be more appropriate if the focus is solely on the size.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a respectable quantity" functions as a noun phrase, where "respectable" is an adjective modifying the noun "quantity". Ludwig examples confirm its use in describing amounts considered significant or worthy of respect.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

17%

Encyclopedias

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a respectable quantity" is a phrase used to describe an amount that is not only adequate but also worthy of respect or admiration. While grammatically correct, Ludwig indicates that it is a less common expression. It functions as a noun phrase, typically found in news and media contexts. As Ludwig AI explains, this phrase is useful when the speaker wants to express that a certain amount is noteworthy or impressive.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a considerable amount

Replaces "quantity" with "amount" and "respectable" with "considerable", emphasizing the largeness of the amount.

a substantial quantity

Substitutes "respectable" with "substantial", highlighting the largeness and importance of the quantity.

a significant amount

Replaces "quantity" with "amount" and "respectable" with "significant", focusing on the importance of the amount.

a sizable quantity

Replaces "respectable" with "sizable", emphasizing the relatively large size of the quantity.

an appreciable quantity

Replaces "respectable" with "appreciable", meaning it is easily perceived or noticed.

a good amount

Uses "good" in place of "respectable", suggesting an adequate and satisfactory quantity.

a noteworthy amount

Substitutes "respectable" with "noteworthy", stressing the significance of the amount.

a fair amount

Uses "fair" in place of "respectable", implying a reasonable and equitable quantity.

a meaningful quantity

Substitutes "respectable" with "meaningful", suggesting that the quantity is of importance or significance.

a considerable volume

Replaces "quantity" with "volume", focusing on the space occupied, and maintains the sense of a substantial amount.

FAQs

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

Use "a respectable quantity" to describe an amount that is considerable and worthy of recognition. For example, "The library boasts a respectable quantity of rare manuscripts."

What are some alternatives to "a respectable quantity"?

Consider using alternatives such as "a considerable amount", "a substantial quantity", or "a significant amount" depending on the context.

Is it always necessary to use "a respectable quantity" when referring to large amounts?

No, using "a respectable quantity" implies that the amount is not only large but also noteworthy or worthy of respect in some way. If the amount is simply large without any implication of worth, then "a large quantity" may be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "a respectable quantity" and "a considerable quantity"?

"A considerable quantity" simply emphasizes the largeness of the amount. "A respectable quantity" suggests the amount is not only sizable but also worthy of admiration or consideration in a particular context.