a suitable amount of

USAGE SUMMARY

"a suitable amount of" is a correct phrase and can be used in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe something that is of an adequate amount or quantity. For example: You need to drink a suitable amount of water each day to stay hydrated.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I left having regained a suitable amount of weight but was still not completely healthy.

The Guardian

For example, walking and running for a suitable amount of time are beneficial to human health.

Microelectronics Journal

The device will start to conduct if a suitable amount of gate current is applied, but otherwise it will not.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In one popular compensation method, the bob consists of a glass or metal jar containing a suitable amount of mercury.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This is traditionally done in a reverberatory or electric-arc furnace, into which concentrate is fed along with a suitable amount of flux, usually silica and occasionally limestone.

Britannica

A suitable amount of water in the formulations is determined to obtain the best possible compatibility with the gelatin shell.

International Journal of Pharmaceutics

The amount of glucose played an important role in the synthesis of WO3-x with a suitable amount of carbon.

Materials & Design

Furthermore, a suitable amount of cobalt oxides must exist in order to originate NO2 that is the main reaction intermediate.

Catalysis Today

The documents reveal that she is seeking sole legal custody and "primary residential custody" of Suri, along with a "suitable amount" of child support.

Independent

A suitable amount of liquid crystal mixed in the polymer host can improve not only the lens flexibility but also the lens performance.

Optics Communications

The ductile failure of such cement-based structures is ensured by adding a suitable amount of steel fibers to ordinary steel bars.

Engineering Structures

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a suitable amount of", ensure the context provides enough information, or explicitly states, what makes that amount "suitable". This adds clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a suitable amount of" without specifying the criteria for suitability. For example, instead of saying "add a suitable amount of liquid", specify "add liquid until the mixture reaches a smooth consistency".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a suitable amount of" functions as a determiner phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a quantity that is adequate or appropriate for a specific purpose. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

62%

News & Media

13%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Academia

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a suitable amount of" is a versatile phrase used to indicate an adequate quantity tailored to a specific context. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used across diverse fields, including science, news, and general writing. While the phrase is quite common and carries a neutral register, it's vital to ensure that the criteria for suitability are clear to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "an adequate quantity of" or "a reasonable amount of" can be used depending on the desired nuance. With its frequent appearance in authoritative sources and practical applications, mastering the use of "a suitable amount of" will enhance clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an adequate quantity of

Replaces "suitable" with "adequate" focusing on sufficiency for a requirement.

a sufficient quantity of

Substitutes "suitable" with "sufficient", emphasizing enough to meet a need or purpose.

a reasonable quantity of

Replaces "suitable" with "reasonable", suggesting an amount that is fair and appropriate.

an appropriate quantity of

Uses "appropriate" instead of "suitable" to highlight the amount is correct for a specific situation.

a fitting measure of

Employs "fitting measure" to indicate an amount that aligns well with specific needs or standards.

a proper measure of

Replaces "suitable" with "proper", suggesting an amount that is correct or in accordance with the rules.

an optimal quantity of

Suggests the amount is the most favorable or advantageous.

a satisfactory portion of

Uses "satisfactory portion" to convey the amount is acceptable or good enough for a certain purpose.

a considerable measure of

Highlights that the amount is notably large or significant.

an appreciable measure of

Suggests the amount is large enough to be noticed or important.

FAQs

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

You can use "a suitable amount of" to describe an adequate or appropriate quantity of something. For instance, "Ensure you add "a suitable amount of" fertilizer to the soil to promote healthy plant growth."

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

Alternatives include phrases like "an adequate quantity of", "a sufficient quantity of", or "a reasonable amount of", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "suitable amount of" or "appropriate amount of"?

Both "suitable amount of" and "appropriate amount of" are correct, but they emphasize slightly different aspects. "Suitable" implies fitting the needs or requirements, while "appropriate" suggests being especially well-suited for a particular situation. In most cases, they are interchangeable.

What determines what is considered "a suitable amount of" something?

What constitutes "a suitable amount of" depends heavily on the context. It could be based on scientific measurements, practical experience, or specific guidelines. Always consider the specific requirements of the situation to determine the most appropriate quantity.