ample

USAGE SUMMARY

"ample" is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is an adjective that means plentiful or abundant. You can use it to describe something that has plenty of something. Example sentence: The ample amount of food at the party ensured that all guests had enough to eat.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

When I wasn't worrying about how to stop the water breaching my bodily barriers, I was fretting about catching pond life in the miniature drag net that is a swimming costume on an ample bosom.

The Guardian - Travel

Predictions of 20%-30 20%-30ompliance imply they will have ample opportunity to denounce a shambles.

The Guardian - Opinion

Trailertrash Summer Barn Dance Hearn St Car Park, London, Saturday Indie rockers the Proxy are live at this warehouse party, with ample electro, disco and techno support from Hannah Holland and more.

The Guardian

It can help solve a myriad of problems by providing affordable toilets in water-scarce areas, and returning compost rich in beneficial microorganisms, as well as ample quantities of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to depleted soils, reclaiming nutrients to make organic soil conditioners and fertilisers.

The Guardian

Brayshaw unleashed 9 bone-jarring tackles, as ample an indication as any of the disparity in hunger between the two sides.

The Guardian - Sport

Doping in the east African country is a growing problem – this year Moses Kiptanui, one of the greatest runners in Kenya's history, said certain athletes "want to get money by all means … by a genuine way or another way" – and, although an anti-doping centre has been set up in Eldoret, the rewards for a successful career, even if achieved illegally, are ample.

The Guardian - Sport

Set a rate that covers professional help, ample coffee and tea, a decent lunch or dinner, plus a contingency.

The Guardian

Their selection of meat dishes is extensive and their raciones ample to share between two or three.

The Guardian - Travel

The answer is not much, at least of ample significance to carve out a distinct identity.

The Guardian - Opinion

The couple claim their decision to leave the Bolshoi was a purely artistic one, but many consider that they've sold out, lured by Kekhman's money, the Moscow apartment, and ample time off for lucrative guest appearances.

The Guardian

We still considered ourselves to be the kind of people whose children would play in the garden, not in the soft-play centre; the kind of people who would spend weekends pruning the wisteria and serving roasts on an ample kitchen table.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ample" to emphasize that there is more than enough of something, suggesting not just sufficiency but a comfortable surplus. For instance, "ample parking" implies more than just enough spaces, but a readily available selection.

Common error

Avoid using "ample" simply as a synonym for "large" or "big" without conveying the sense of sufficiency or abundance. Instead of saying "an ample house", consider specifying what makes the house ample, such as "ample living space" or "ample storage".

Linguistic Context

The adjective "ample" primarily functions as a pre-modifier, enhancing nouns by indicating a quantity or size that is sufficiently large or abundant. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples showcasing its use in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ample" is a versatile adjective signifying a sufficient or abundant quantity, size, or degree. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its correctness and widespread usage, particularly in news, business, and scientific contexts. While it's important to avoid vagueness by specifying what is "ample", utilizing this word effectively enhances clarity and assures a sense of sufficiency. Consider alternatives like "plentiful" or "abundant" to fine-tune your intended emphasis. With a neutral-to-formal register, "ample" suits diverse communication scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

plentiful

Emphasizes abundance and ready availability.

abundant

Highlights a large quantity or supply.

sufficient

Focuses on adequacy for a particular purpose or need.

copious

Suggests a large and generous amount.

sizeable

Indicates a considerable size or extent.

substantial

Implies a significant amount or degree.

generous

Suggests a willingness to give freely or provide more than enough.

extensive

Focuses on the wide range or scope.

lavish

Emphasizes extravagance or luxury in quantity.

bountiful

Indicates generosity and abundance, often in a natural or agricultural context.

FAQs

How can I use "ample" in a sentence?

You can use "ample" to describe a quantity, size, or degree that is more than sufficient. For example, "There was "ample evidence" to support the claim" or "The room had "ample space" for the equipment".

What are some synonyms for "ample"?

Synonyms for "ample" include "plentiful", "abundant", "sufficient", "copious", and "sizeable". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is "ample" a formal or informal word?

"Ample" is generally considered a neutral to slightly formal word. It is suitable for both written and spoken English, but it may be more common in formal contexts such as news reports, academic papers, and business communications than in casual conversation.

What's the difference between "ample" and "adequate"?

"Ample" suggests more than enough, an abundance, while "adequate" simply means enough to meet a requirement. If you have "ample resources", you have more than you need; if you have "adequate resources", you have just enough.