a sizable quantity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sizable quantity" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a large amount of something, often in contexts involving measurements, resources, or supplies. Example: "The research team collected a sizable quantity of data over the course of the study."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Opposition groups in this area, it seemed, appeared to have received a sizable quantity of weapons from sources outside Syria.

The New York Times

The petitioner's car had been searched pursuant to a warrant, and a sizable quantity of marijuana had been found in the trunk.

The New Yorker

When a sizable quantity of this material accumulates on the surface of the white dwarf, a nuclear explosion occurs there, causing the ejection of hot surface gases on the order of 1⁄10,000 the amount of material in the Sun.

Encyclopedia Britannica

(This last was an affectionate gibe at the astronomical kind of counting Picasso himself indulges in when he wishes to indicate a sizable quantity of anything. He once said that one of his father's paintings of his modest Málaga pigeon cote showed it filled with "hundreds of pigeons — with thousands of pigeons — with thousands and millions of pigeons").

The New Yorker

After reporting that Federal troops had confiscated 700 acres of his corn, 150 of his cattle and 400 of his hogs, a Southern planter sought permission to sell cotton to buy a sizable quantity of provisions to feed the hundred slaves wishing to remain on his plantation.

The New York Times

In previous years, enough corn was usually produced so that Zimbabwe was able to meet its domestic demand and also export a sizable quantity, but, in the early 21st century, with the significant decline in agricultural productivity, the country was unable to meet domestic needs.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

It is very likely that additional national and international legislation will be enacted that will require generation of toxicity data for most of the chemicals produced in sizable quantity.

Environmental Health Perspectives

The leatherback has more red cells in each unit of blood than other reptiles, up in a range similar to that of mammals, a trait that allows it to carry sizable quantities of oxygen in its circulatory system during prolonged submersion.

The New York Times - Books

The meteorite turns out to be a type known as carbonaceous chondrites, which contain sizable quantities of carbon and organic molecules.

The New York Times - Science

Whereas a conventional nuclear reactor can use only the readily fissionable but scarce isotope uranium-235 for fuel, a breeder reactor employs either uranium-238 or thorium, of which sizable quantities are available.

Encyclopedia Britannica

(71) These compounds were detected in sizable quantities in vivo, suggesting that they could play a significant role in endocannabinoid signaling.

Chemical Reviews

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a sizable quantity", ensure the context clearly defines what is being measured. Providing specific units or comparisons enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "a sizable quantity" when referring to something that is inherently small or insignificant. The phrase implies a notable amount, so ensure it aligns with the subject's true scale.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sizable quantity" functions as a noun phrase, where "sizable" modifies the noun "quantity". It describes an amount that is notably large. Ludwig examples show it used to describe amounts of weapons, marijuana, corn, and more, modifying various nouns.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Encyclopedias

25%

Science

21%

Less common in

Formal & Business

17%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a sizable quantity" is a noun phrase used to describe a notably large amount. According to Ludwig, its grammatical status is correct, and it is frequently employed in news, encyclopedias and scientific publications. When writing, consider using more specific units to enhance clarity and avoid using it with inherently small items. Alternatives include "a considerable amount" and "a substantial quantity". While the phrase is appropriate for formal contexts, it also appears in neutral registers like news media, making it versatile for various writing needs.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a considerable amount

Emphasizes the largeness of the amount, focusing on its significance.

a substantial quantity

Highlights the solid and significant nature of the amount.

a significant volume

Focuses on the capacity or space that the quantity occupies.

a large proportion

Indicates that the quantity represents a notable fraction of the whole.

a great deal

A more informal way to express a large amount or quantity.

an appreciable number

Stresses that the quantity is noticeable or measurable.

a generous supply

Suggests that the quantity is ample and more than sufficient.

a good quantity

A simpler and less formal way to express a sufficient amount.

a plentiful amount

Highlights the abundance and availability of the quantity.

a fair amount

Indicates a reasonable and acceptable quantity.

FAQs

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

Use "a sizable quantity" to describe a large amount of something. For example, "The store received "a sizable quantity" of new inventory."

What are some alternatives to saying "a sizable quantity"?

You can use alternatives like "a considerable amount", "a substantial quantity", or "a significant volume" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "a large quantity" or "a sizable quantity"?

Both "a large quantity" and ""a sizable quantity"" are acceptable, but ""a sizable quantity"" often implies an amount that is impressively or unexpectedly large.

What is the difference between "a sizable quantity" and "a large quantity"?

While both phrases denote a significant amount, ""a sizable quantity"" often suggests the amount is notably large or considerable, whereas "a large quantity" is a more general expression.