a specific amount of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a specific amount of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a precise quantity or measurement of something. Example: "The recipe calls for a specific amount of sugar to achieve the desired sweetness."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It did not claim a specific amount of damages.

The New York Times

For example, don't ask for a specific amount of money.

The Washington Post

"Second rule is, You've got to ask for a specific amount of money.

The New York Times - Magazine

I don't do it for a specific amount of Tour titles or fame or awards.

The Guardian - Sport

"I don't even know if I am worth a specific amount of dollars," he says.

The Washington Post

Then a specific amount of sunscreen is applied to other areas on the volunteers' backs.

The Washington Post

Each of these setting can be assigned to work for a specific amount of time or indefinitely.

The Guardian - Tech

The scientific literature doesn't point towards a specific amount of alcohol that is safe to drink during pregnancy.

The Guardian

Often, these contracts guarantee a specific amount of revenue, The Times found, which can send water bills soaring.

The New York Times

Researchers believe that, under normal circumstances, the earliest cells of the limb bud release a specific amount of retinoic acid.

The New York Times - Science

In a series of tests, a specific amount of superimposed strain was accumulated in each cycle.

Nuclear Engineering and Design

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a specific amount of", ensure that the context clarifies the units or method of measurement to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of "add a specific amount of liquid", specify "add 50ml of water".

Common error

Avoid using "a specific amount of" without providing further details or context. Saying "use a specific amount" is less effective than stating "use a specific amount, such as 10 grams".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a specific amount of" functions as a determiner phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a particular, well-defined quantity. It specifies that the amount is not vague or arbitrary, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Science

23%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a specific amount of" is a versatile and commonly used expression to denote a particular quantity. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent appearance across diverse contexts, including news, science, and academia. While versatile, clarity is key: avoid vagueness by specifying units or providing context. Alternatives such as "a precise quantity of" or "an exact measurement of" can further refine the intended meaning based on the situation. By heeding these guidelines, writers can harness the phrase's utility for clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a precise quantity of

Emphasizes accuracy and exactness in the amount.

a definite quantity of

Highlights the determined and certain nature of the amount.

an exact measurement of

Focuses on the measurable aspect of the amount, implying precision.

a particular quantity of

Indicates a distinct and individual amount.

a fixed quantity of

Highlights the unchanging nature of the amount.

a determined quantity of

Emphasizes that the amount has been decided upon.

a set measure of

Implies that the amount is pre-established or standard.

a designated quantity of

Suggests the amount has been officially assigned or allocated.

a prescribed amount of

Indicates that the amount is required or recommended by a rule or authority.

a given quantity of

Specifies that the quantity is already established or known.

FAQs

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

You can use "a specific amount of" to refer to a precise quantity. For example, "The recipe requires "a specific amount of" flour" or "The experiment needs "a specific amount of" solution".

What are some alternatives to saying "a specific amount of"?

Alternatives include "a precise quantity of", "an exact measurement of", or "a particular quantity of", depending on the level of precision you want to convey.

When is it better to use "a precise amount of" instead of "a specific amount of"?

While both phrases are similar, "a precise amount of" emphasizes accuracy and exactness, whereas "a specific amount of" simply indicates that the quantity is clearly defined. Use "a precise amount of" when accuracy is crucial.

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

It is not grammatically incorrect, but it can be ineffective if the context requires greater clarity. If you can provide an actual measurement or quantity, it's generally better to do so rather than just stating ""a specific amount of"".