a sheer amount of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sheer amount of" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to make a comparison to emphasize the degree or magnitude of a certain amount of something. For example, "The amount of paperwork I have to get through is a sheer amount of work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

And I do allow myself — and it takes a sheer amount of willpower — one pig in a blanket.

The New York Times

For a seamless base on the skin, first apply a sheer amount of foundation to the centre of the face, and blend outwards toward the ears.

The Telegraph

Such technical convenience yields a sheer amount of user-generated visual data being shared over the Internet.

IPSJ Transactions on Computer Vision and Applications

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

So even if a single purchase using a mobile payment does not hold the same profit as a purchase through a credit card, the sheer amount of additional purchases lets mobile payments prevail in the end.

Forbes

Right now, if you're in the level 33-40 range, there's a good chance that you're a hacker, given the sheer amount of XP you would need to reach those upper levels, XP that you should physically not be possible to get this soon after the game's launch.

Forbes

What I never realized about a man getting dressed up as a woman was the sheer amount of work that goes into it.

Vice

But by the afternoon, that relief was tempered by a recognition that the sheer amount of debt the government is issuing places a tough-to-break ceiling on the price of government bonds.

The New York Times

It's true, there is a shift -- the sheer amount of conversation around the idea alone is a sign that we're moving forward.

Huffington Post

The book provides the added bonus of solid writing, making it an easy and enjoyable read, which may do a disservice to the sheer amount of helpful information and the number of useful techniques.

Duke University

The urgency created by these scale effects is a result of the sheer amount of data available, which poses opportunities for research as well as monetization.

The New York Times - Science

Ironically, that speed is also the main protection against a widespread attack; the sheer amount of traffic would bring the public IM servers down almost immediately.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a sheer amount of" to emphasize the impressiveness or unexpected magnitude of something. It's particularly effective when the quantity is surprisingly large or noteworthy.

Common error

Avoid using "a sheer amount of" in overly casual or informal writing. While grammatically correct, it can sometimes sound overly formal or stilted in everyday conversation. Consider using simpler alternatives like "a lot of" or "a great deal of" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sheer amount of" functions as a determiner phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a large quantity. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a sheer amount of" is a grammatically sound phrase used to highlight a notably large quantity of something. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and examples show it frequently appears in news, scientific, and academic contexts. While versatile, it's best to avoid overusing it in overly informal settings, where simpler alternatives may be more fitting. When used appropriately, it effectively emphasizes the magnitude of the described quantity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a considerable quantity of

Replaces "amount" with "quantity" and uses "considerable" instead of "sheer", slightly altering the emphasis.

a great deal of

Replaces "sheer amount" with a more colloquial expression for a large quantity.

a substantial measure of

Substitutes "amount" with "measure" and "sheer" with "substantial", providing a more formal tone.

a significant degree of

Shifts from quantity to degree, using "significant" to convey a large extent.

a notable quantity of

Uses "notable" to highlight that the amount is worth paying attention to, differing slightly in connotation.

a large proportion of

Emphasizes the relative size of the amount compared to a whole, changing the focus.

an abundance of

Focuses on the plentiful nature of something, rather than just the amount.

a wealth of

Implies richness or value in addition to a large quantity, altering the emphasis.

a profusion of

Suggests an overflowing or extravagant quantity, adding a sense of excess.

a mountain of

Uses a metaphorical image to emphasize the large size, adding a more dramatic effect.

FAQs

How can I use "a sheer amount of" in a sentence?

Use "a sheer amount of" to describe a large quantity of something, often implying that the amount is surprisingly or notably large. For example, "The project required "a sheer amount of" dedication and hard work".

What are some alternatives to "a sheer amount of"?

Alternatives include "a great deal of", "a substantial quantity of", or "a considerable amount of". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired tone.

Is it ever incorrect to use "a sheer amount of"?

While grammatically correct, "a sheer amount of" might sound overly formal in very informal settings. In casual conversation, simpler phrases like "lots of" or "a ton of" might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "a sheer amount of" and "a significant amount of"?

"A sheer amount of" emphasizes the surprising or noteworthy size of the quantity. "A significant amount of" simply highlights that the quantity is important or meaningful. They are similar, but "sheer" adds an element of unexpectedness or impressiveness.