an amount of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an amount of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a quantity of something, such as time, money, or materials. For example, "We need to spend an amount of money equal to the cost of the new equipment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

There is an amount of mischief in The Forgotten Waltz.

The Guardian - Books

"My concern is there is still an amount of apathy.

The Guardian

There was quite an amount of tea in EastEnders.

Independent

Furthermore, an amount of 10 wt% filler increases static friction.

Tribology International

The sum of all of these events is that we have converted an amount of work,, into an amount of heat,, with and numerically equal in Joules.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

A lot of these things take an amount of time to be dealt with".

The Guardian

Traditional off-piste, guideless boarding can often involve an amount of macho foolhardiness.

The Guardian - Travel

According to Tongo, Dewani was "willing to pay an amount of R15,000.

The Guardian

"It was an amount of books you wouldn't necessarily want to live with," he said.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

"[But] not before there is an amount of suffering that is unconscionable and should've been avoided".

Huffington Post

Are you using an amount of that work that is narrowly-tailored to your new purpose?

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an amount of", ensure the noun it modifies is non-countable. For countable nouns, use "a number of" instead.

Common error

Avoid using "an amount of" with countable nouns. For example, instead of "an amount of books", use "a number of books".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an amount of" functions as a determiner phrase, specifically quantifying non-countable nouns. As Ludwig confirms, it's used to specify a particular quantity or extent of something that cannot be individually counted. For example, "an amount of time" or "an amount of effort."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Academia

25%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an amount of" is a versatile phrase used to quantify non-countable nouns. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. As demonstrated by numerous examples from news, scientific, and academic sources, the phrase is appropriate across a wide range of contexts. Remember to avoid using it with countable nouns; instead, opt for "a number of". By understanding its function and register, you can effectively incorporate this phrase into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a quantity of

This alternative is more general, applicable to both countable and uncountable nouns.

a quantity of

This alternative highlights the size or extent of something.

a measure of

This alternative emphasizes the act of measuring or quantifying something.

a certain quantity of

This alternative adds a sense of imprecision or unspecified amount.

a portion of

This alternative suggests a part or share of a whole.

a percentage of

This alternative indicates a proportional part in relation to a whole.

a volume of

This alternative is suitable when referring to a large quantity or bulk.

a number of

This alternative is used specifically with countable nouns.

a degree of

This alternative implies a level or extent of something, often abstract.

a share of

This alternative indicates a part that someone possesses or is allocated.

FAQs

How do I use "an amount of" in a sentence?

Use "an amount of" followed by a non-countable noun to describe a quantity of something. For example, "There is "an amount of mischief" in the story".

What's the difference between "an amount of" and "a number of"?

"An amount of" is used with non-countable nouns (e.g., "an amount of water"), while "a number of" is used with countable nouns (e.g., "a number of books").

Which is correct: "an amount of information" or "a number of information"?

"An amount of information" is correct because "information" is a non-countable noun. Use "an amount of" for non-countable nouns and "a number of" for countable nouns.

What can I say instead of "an amount of"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "a quantity of", "a measure of", or "a portion of".