ample means

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ample means" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe having sufficient resources or capabilities to achieve a particular goal or task. Example: "The organization has ample means to support its community outreach programs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

For citizens of ample means, prisoners' accommodations in eighteenth-century France outdid even the swankiest jails of modern times.

The New Yorker

Americans wishing to take advantage of any recovery in Israeli stocks have ample means to do so.

The New York Times

A war on terrorism should provide ample means to find and confiscate terrorists' money, and make future financing more difficult.

The New York Times

The government will struggle to maintain its legitimacy if it does not provide ample means for these costs to be met.

The New York Times

But we're in our own version of a feudal Japan with no shogun but lots of lords, including one of ample means plotting away in the White House.

The New York Times

In a telephone interview, Mr. Johnson said that Fidelity was already focused on voting proxies in fund shareholders' best interest and that the S.E.C. had ample means of monitoring the company.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

The police have ample alternative means of surveillance of known terrorist suspects through the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000, which has legal safeguards built in.

The Guardian - Opinion

A warm winter and ample food means that deer have been less likely to visit bait sites where hunters have been waiting.

The New York Times

In countries such as Germany, where ample supply means that land and house prices are stable, long-term renting is common.

The Economist

Ample supply means some seats are even going for amounts below their original prices, according to StubHub.

Forbes

Along with the much-emphasized special nature of the Turkish people, ample economic means of the Turkish state and its pragmatism, interviewees at the MFA and the Ministry of Labour also pointed out Turkey's responsibility for Syrians, given its imperial past in the Middle East and the collective memory prevailing amongst the population about the generosity and charity of the Turkish polity.

Comparative Migration Studies

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ample means" when you want to convey that there are more than enough resources available to achieve a specific goal or handle a particular situation. It suggests a comfortable surplus.

Common error

Avoid using "ample means" when describing situations where resources are just sufficient. The phrase implies a surplus, not just adequacy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ample means" functions as a noun phrase, where "ample" modifies the noun "means". Ludwig confirms that this phrase describes having sufficient resources or capabilities.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Academia

19%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Science

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ample means" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe having sufficient resources or capabilities. Ludwig's analysis of various sources shows that it is frequently used in news and media, academic writing, and formal business contexts. It implies a level of abundance beyond mere adequacy. When writing, be mindful of the level of abundance you wish to convey and consider alternatives such as "sufficient resources" or "adequate resources" if a surplus is not intended.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sufficient resources

Replaces "ample means" with a more direct synonym, focusing on the quantity of resources available.

adequate resources

Similar to "sufficient resources", but may imply a minimum level of acceptability rather than abundance.

plentiful resources

Emphasizes the abundance or profusion of resources.

substantial resources

Highlights the significant quantity or value of the resources.

considerable resources

Similar to "substantial resources", emphasizing the noteworthy amount of resources.

sufficient capacity

Focuses on the ability to handle a specific task or demand, rather than general resources.

adequate capacity

Similar to "sufficient capacity", but may imply a minimal level of acceptability.

sufficient capability

Highlights the ability or competence to achieve something, rather than the resources themselves.

well-resourced

Describes an entity that possesses adequate resources.

rich in resources

Emphasizes the wealth or abundance of resources available.

FAQs

How can I use "ample means" in a sentence?

You can use "ample means" to describe someone or something that has sufficient resources or capabilities to achieve a particular goal. For example, "The organization has "ample means" to support its community outreach programs".

What are some alternatives to "ample means"?

Alternatives include "sufficient resources", "adequate resources", or "plentiful resources", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "ample resources" or "ample means"?

Both "ample resources" and "ample means" are grammatically correct. "Ample resources" refers directly to the availability of resources, while "ample means" suggests having the necessary means or capabilities, which can include resources but also skills or opportunities.

What does it mean when someone says they have "ample means"?

It means they possess sufficient resources, capabilities, or opportunities to accomplish a task or live comfortably. The phrase implies a level of abundance or more than enough.