copious amounts

USAGE SUMMARY

'copious amounts' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means a large or plentiful quantity of something. You can use it to describe an abundance of something. For example: There were copious amounts of food at the party, so everyone had more than enough to eat.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Copious amounts of red wine.

The New York Times

It requires copious amounts of sunlight.

The New York Times - Science

"I've been drinking copious amounts," Eugene said.

The New Yorker

Then dinner was served, with copious amounts of wine.

The Guardian

And they have made copious amounts of coffee.

The New York Times

I smoke copious amounts to demonstrate my expertise.

The Guardian - Opinion

It mostly involves copious amounts of copying from a book.

The Guardian

I take copious amounts of vitamins and medications.

The Guardian - Music

Or those who can handle copious amounts of swearing, anyway.

Independent

I set about making copious amounts of tea.

Independent

I also stirred in copious amounts of basil and garlic.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "copious amounts" when you want to emphasize not just the quantity, but also the idea of abundance or excess. It's more emphatic than "large amounts".

Common error

While "copious amounts" is widely accepted, avoid overusing it in highly formal or technical writing where more precise quantitative language might be preferable. Consider using specific numerical values instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "copious amounts" functions as a quantifier, modifying a noun to indicate a large or abundant quantity. Ludwig provides examples where it describes quantities of wine, coffee, information, and more, highlighting its versatility in describing various nouns.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

18%

Encyclopedias

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "copious amounts" is a common and correct way to describe a large or plentiful quantity of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used and understood. While suitable for general and news writing, it's advisable to use more precise language in formal or technical contexts. Remember that "copious" emphasizes abundance, setting it apart from merely "large" quantities. Examples from Ludwig highlight its versatility in describing various nouns, making it a useful addition to your vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

abundant quantity

Highlights the plentiful nature of the amount.

large quantity

Emphasizes the size of the amount rather than its abundance.

ample supply

Indicates there is more than enough of something available.

plentiful supply

Focuses on the availability and readiness of the amount.

considerable quantity

Highlights the significance of the amount.

generous quantity

Suggests the amount is more than sufficient, often given freely.

profuse quantity

Implies an overflowing or excessive amount.

substantial volume

Indicates a considerable amount, often referring to liquids or bulk items.

vast quantity

Emphasizes the immensity of the amount.

extensive quantity

Highlights the reach or scope of the amount.

FAQs

How can I use "copious amounts" in a sentence?

Use "copious amounts" to describe a large or plentiful quantity of something. For example, "The recipe calls for "generous amounts" of garlic" or "The project required "substantial funding"".

What are some alternatives to "copious amounts"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "large quantity", "abundant supply", "plentiful supply", or "generous quantity".

Is it appropriate to use "copious amounts" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, "copious amounts" might be perceived as less precise than specific quantitative terms in very formal or technical contexts. Consider using more exact measurements where appropriate.

What's the difference between "copious amounts" and "large amounts"?

"Copious amounts" emphasizes abundance and potential excess, while "large amounts" simply indicates a considerable quantity without necessarily implying abundance. "Copious" suggests more than enough.