a sufficient amount

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sufficient amount" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to an adequate quantity of something needed for a particular purpose or situation. Example: "To complete the experiment successfully, we need a sufficient amount of the chemical reagent."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"There isn't a sufficient amount of toilet paper".

The New Yorker

Iran and Russia supply the alliance with a sufficient amount of tanks, artillery and other weaponry.

The New York Times

"The space becomes too big, so you can't drive a sufficient amount of sound into it".

The New York Times - Tech

"It depends on if they are doing a sufficient amount of damage.

The New York Times

Fortunately, I've been blessed with a sufficient amount of social insensitivity not to worry too much".

The Guardian

The trick is cooking it for a sufficient amount of time (most people don't).

The New York Times - Food

Yes," King said, given a sufficient amount of luck, health and practice time.

The New York Times - Sports

Obtaining a sufficient amount of sleep is important to maintain optimal physiological and psychological functioning.

Independent

Usually 25 to 30 cycles produce a sufficient amount of DNA.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It is vital that parliament is provided with a sufficient amount of time to scrutinise the bill".

The Guardian

The 1870 Elementary Education Act stressed public infrastructure – "a sufficient amount of accommodation in public elementary schools".

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a sufficient amount", ensure the context clearly indicates what the amount is sufficient for. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "a sufficient amount" without specifying the context or providing a reference point. Without context, the phrase becomes meaningless. Instead of writing, "Add a sufficient amount", specify what it should be sufficient for, such as "Add a sufficient amount of water to reach the desired consistency."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sufficient amount" functions as a determiner phrase modifying a noun, indicating that the noun it modifies is present in an adequate quantity. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts. The phrase essentially describes the degree to which something is present or available.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

31%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a sufficient amount" is a versatile phrase used to indicate an adequate quantity of something. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, particularly in news, science, and general writing. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying what the amount is sufficient for to avoid vagueness. Alternatives include "an adequate quantity" or "enough". Remember that while generally neutral, very formal or technical contexts might benefit from precise measurements rather than the more general "a sufficient amount".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an adequate quantity

Emphasizes the idea of being just enough, meeting a minimum requirement.

a satisfactory quantity

Highlights that the quantity is good enough to meet a specific need or expectation.

a proper amount

Suggests that the quantity is appropriate or suitable for a particular purpose.

an ample quantity

Indicates a quantity that is more than enough, providing a surplus.

a requisite quantity

Focuses on the necessity of having that specific quantity for a particular outcome.

an appreciable amount

Highlights that the amount is noticeable or significant.

a considerable quantity

Implies a substantial or noteworthy amount.

enough

A simpler and more direct way of saying a quantity meets a need.

a fair amount

Suggests a reasonable or moderate quantity.

a goodly amount

Implies a generous or respectable amount.

FAQs

How can I use "a sufficient amount" in a sentence?

You can use "a sufficient amount" to indicate that there is enough of something to meet a particular need or requirement. For example, "Ensure you have "a sufficient amount of" data to draw meaningful conclusions."

What are some alternatives to using "a sufficient amount"?

Alternatives include phrases like "an adequate quantity", "a proper amount", or simply "enough" depending on the context. For instance, "We have enough resources to complete the project."

Is it better to use "sufficient amount" or "sufficient quantity"?

Both "sufficient amount" and "sufficient quantity" are grammatically correct and can be used interchangeably. The choice often depends on the specific context and what sounds more natural. "Amount" is generally used for uncountable nouns, while "quantity" can be used for both countable and uncountable nouns.

When is it not appropriate to use the phrase "a sufficient amount"?

The phrase may not be appropriate when the context requires a more precise measurement or when vagueness could lead to misunderstandings. In such cases, it's better to provide a specific quantity. For example, instead of "Add a sufficient amount of salt", it's better to say "Add one teaspoon of salt".