colossal quantity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "colossal quantity" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an extremely large amount of something, often emphasizing the size or extent of that quantity. Example: "The research team collected a colossal quantity of data over the course of the study."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Some of that shift will take place beneath the ocean, displacing a colossal quantity of seawater.

The New Yorker

Sure, the company says it is making big strides in tackling its leaks since receiving a series of fines in the early 2000s, but that is still a colossal quantity of water being wasted which completely dwarfs the consequences of women depilating in the shower.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

How dare they throw away such colossal quantities of money in times of crisis?

The Guardian - Sport

The Mahabharata was one of a large number of Indian epics… I longed to know how the bhopas could remember such colossal quantities of verse.

The New Yorker

Rain - in effect, evaporated ocean - fell in such colossal quantities during the Australian floods in 2010 and 2011 that the world's sea levels actually dropped by as much as 7mm.

The Guardian

Using sophisticated programming languages, like Processing, they are distilling colossal quantities of baffling data into seductive digital animations — or visualizations — many of which then change in real time to reflect what is actually happening.

The New York Times - Arts

Destroying peat forests for palm oil is especially bad for the climate, as these semi-saturated soils are dense "carbon stores" which release colossal quantities of C02 when they are burnt to make way for palm oil.

Independent

But that is what the NSA does, in colossal quantities and with in some cases, it seems, German official help.As the Shitstorm mounts, Germany is sending a delegation to Washington (some think it should be the other way round).

The Economist

Escobar's Medellín drug cartel was responsible for 80% of the global cocaine trade, raking in such colossal quantities of money that it spent $2,500 a month just on rubber bands to bunch banknotes together.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

All along what is now the western shores of Scotland, huge volcanic centres erupted colossal quantities of magma.

BBC

Not only do the clusters contain colossal quantities of visible matter - stars, gas and dust - but they also retain even larger quantities of invisible, and as yet unidentifiable, "dark matter".

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "colossal quantity" to emphasize the sheer size or impressiveness of an amount, especially when describing natural phenomena or large-scale operations.

Common error

Avoid using "colossal quantity" for everyday amounts. Reserve it for truly significant or extraordinary quantities to maintain its impact. A less dramatic phrase might be more appropriate for smaller amounts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "colossal quantity" functions as a noun phrase, where "colossal" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "quantity". As Ludwig AI states, it is grammatically correct and used to describe a large amount.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "colossal quantity" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe an exceptionally large amount. As supported by Ludwig AI, it is suitable for emphasizing the magnitude of something, particularly in news and scientific contexts. While interchangeable with alternatives like "massive amount" or "huge volume", "colossal quantity" provides a stronger emphasis on scale. Remember to reserve its usage for truly significant amounts to maintain its intended impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

massive amount

Replaces "colossal" with "massive", indicating a large size or scale but with a slightly different emphasis.

huge volume

Substitutes "colossal quantity" with "huge volume", focusing on the amount of space occupied.

immense scale

Replaces "colossal quantity" with "immense scale", highlighting the vastness of the quantity.

enormous proportion

Substitutes "colossal quantity" with "enormous proportion", emphasizing the relative size of the amount.

vast magnitude

Replaces "colossal quantity" with "vast magnitude", which focuses on the great size or extent.

substantial measure

Changes "colossal quantity" to "substantial measure", indicating a considerable but perhaps less overwhelming amount.

considerable extent

Replaces "colossal quantity" with "considerable extent", suggesting a significant degree or scope.

tremendous bulk

Substitutes "colossal quantity" with "tremendous bulk", focusing on the large size or weight.

gigantic extent

Replaces "colossal quantity" with "gigantic extent", which underlines the large size or scale.

significant degree

Changes "colossal quantity" to "significant degree", which suggest a noteworthy level or amount.

FAQs

How can I use "colossal quantity" in a sentence?

Use "colossal quantity" to describe an exceptionally large amount of something. For example: "The floodwaters contained a "colossal quantity" of debris."

What are some synonyms for "colossal quantity"?

Alternatives include "massive amount", "huge volume", or "immense scale", depending on the specific context you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "colossal quantity" in formal writing?

Yes, "colossal quantity" is suitable for formal writing when you need to emphasize the extremely large size of something. Ensure the context warrants such a strong descriptor.

What's the difference between "colossal quantity" and "large amount"?

"Colossal quantity" implies a much greater magnitude than "large amount". Use "colossal quantity" when the amount is truly extraordinary or overwhelming.