a variable quantity of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a variable quantity of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing measurements, amounts, or values that can change or vary in different contexts. Example: "In the experiment, we need to measure a variable quantity of the solution to determine its effects on the reaction."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

An alternative is to supply the reheat by blending with a variable quantity of warmed air, supplied through a second duct system.

Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning

According to the definition of Dikau et al. (1996) and Iverson and Denlinger (2001), debris flows consist of a mixture of fine material (sand, silt and clay), coarse material (gravel and boulders), with a variable quantity of water, which flow rapidly with one or more surges, commonly following pre-existing drainage ways.

Geoenvironmental Disasters

In general, the cat will turn its back on the area of choice, raise the tail and arch the back, then spray a variable quantity of urine onto a vertical surface, whilst spraying the tail may also quiver [4].

Plosone

A variable quantity of donor stroma was identified between the interface and the DM.

BioMed Research International

However, the DL fluid is diluted with a variable quantity of saline, which may complicate quantitative analysis of biomarkers.

Breast Cancer Research

We obtained a variable quantity of mRNA from the total RNA that ranged from 0.4 to 1.6%, with a mean value of 0.8%.

BMC Plant Biology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Control system, means by which a variable quantity or set of variable quantities is made to conform to a prescribed norm.

Encyclopedia Britannica

With the technical preliminaries out of the way, the two fundamental aspects of calculus may be examined: a. Finding the instantaneous rate of change of a variable quantity.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In his Introductio in Analysin Infinitorum (1748; Introduction to the Analysis of the Infinite), he made the notion of function the central organizing concept of analysis: A function of a variable quantity is an analytical expression composed in any way from the variable and from numbers or constant quantities.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A function of a variable quantity is an analytical expression composed in any way from the variable and from numbers or constant quantities.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It can be obtained that between 20°C and 100°C, the largest variable quantity of the resistivity is just about 0.28 Ω.

Nanoscale Research Letters

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a variable quantity of", ensure the context clearly indicates what factors cause the quantity to vary. Providing specific examples or ranges can enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "a variable quantity of" when the quantity is fixed or has minimal fluctuation. Overusing it can lead to ambiguity if the variance isn't significant or relevant to the discussion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a variable quantity of" functions as a determiner phrase, specifying that the noun it modifies has a quantity that is subject to change. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is valid and usable in English, though not highly frequent.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

75%

Encyclopedias

25%

News & Media

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a variable quantity of" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe an amount that is subject to change, as confirmed by Ludwig. Its primary function is to specify that a noun's quantity isn't fixed, with usage leaning towards formal, scientific, and technical contexts. While Ludwig indicates the phrase is valid, the limited number of examples suggests it's not very common, highlighting the importance of carefully considering the context and scope of variability when employing this phrase. Alternative phrases like "a fluctuating amount of" or "a varying degree of" can provide similar meaning with potentially broader appeal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a fluctuating amount of

Replaces "variable" with "fluctuating", emphasizing the irregular changing nature of the quantity.

an adjustable amount of

Highlights the capability of being changed or adjusted.

a varying degree of

Substitutes "quantity" with "degree", focusing on the intensity or level of something.

a changing amount of

Uses "changing" instead of "variable", highlighting the alteration over time.

a range of quantities of

Emphasizes that the amount falls within a specified spectrum, not a singular fluctuating value.

a diverse amount of

Replaces "variable" with "diverse," suggesting a variety or assortment in the quantity.

a flexible quantity of

Emphasizes the adjustability or adaptability of the amount.

an inconsistent quantity of

Highlights the lack of uniformity or regularity in the amount.

a modified quantity of

Suggests that the amount has been altered or changed from its original state.

a disparate amount of

Replaces "variable" with "disparate," indicating distinct or dissimilar quantities.

FAQs

How can I use "a variable quantity of" in a sentence?

Use "a variable quantity of" to describe amounts that change depending on circumstances. For example, "The reaction requires "a variable quantity of" catalyst to achieve optimal results."

What are some alternatives to "a variable quantity of"?

You could use phrases like "a fluctuating amount of", "a varying degree of", or "an adjustable amount of" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "variable quantity" or "varying quantity"?

"Variable quantity" and "varying quantity" are similar, but "variable" implies the potential for change, while "varying" emphasizes the act of changing. "Variable quantity" is often preferred in technical contexts.

What does "variable" mean in "a variable quantity of"?

In this context, "variable" means something that is not constant or consistent and is likely to change. It indicates that the amount is subject to fluctuation or adjustment.