for a given amount of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "for a given amount of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when specifying a particular quantity or measure in various contexts, such as finance, science, or general discussions. Example: "For a given amount of time, we can achieve significant progress on the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

So the heart shifts to glucose as a fuel, which provides more energy for a given amount of oxygen.

The New York Times

"For a given amount of fuel we produce so much power, compared to say a standard road car," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

Unit labor costs, the cost of labor for a given amount of production, climbed at an annual pace of 1.9percentt.

The New York Times

Presumably, these would be the most efficient companies, the ones able to produce the most energy (and profits) for a given amount of greenhouse-gas pollution.

The New York Times - Magazine

For a given amount of heat energy, burning gas produces about half as much carbon dioxide, the main cause of global warming, as burning coal.

The New York Times

By making it possible to produce more per unit of land and per hour of work, less land and labour are required for a given amount of output.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Almost all cargo vessels, by contrast, have flat bottoms, which allow a larger volume to be kept buoyant for a given amount of hull metal.

The Economist

Gas has displaced a lot of coal in power generation; such switching cuts greenhouse emissions nearly in half for a given amount of electricity produced.

The New York Times - Science

The optimum water content for maximum dry density which results in maximum strength can be achieved for a given amount of work done on the soil in compaction.

Encyclopedia Britannica

While it's possible to estimate that for a given amount of money you can vaccinate a certain number of kids, it's much harder to design a credible "money in, results out" formula for aid that promotes growth.

The Guardian

The basis of financing should be preventing the greatest number of infections for a given amount of money, the report said, adding that the government "should be held accountable" for such decisions.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "for a given amount of", clearly define the units of measurement to ensure clarity and avoid ambiguity. For example, specify "for a given amount of energy in joules" or "for a given amount of time in seconds".

Common error

Avoid using "amount" when referring to countable items; use "number" instead. "Amount" is appropriate for non-countable substances. For example, use "for a given number of apples" not "for a given amount of apples".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for a given amount of" functions as a prepositional phrase that introduces a condition or a fixed quantity for comparison or analysis. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is widely used and grammatically correct, serving to establish a reference point in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

49%

News & Media

43%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "for a given amount of" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to establish a fixed quantity as a reference point for comparison or analysis. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently employed across various contexts, particularly in scientific, news, and encyclopedic sources. It is essential to use precise units of measurement and differentiate between "amount" (non-countable) and "number" (countable) for clarity. Alternatives like "for a specified quantity of" and "given a defined quantity of" offer similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis. Therefore, understanding its proper usage ensures effective and precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

for a specified quantity of

Replaces "given" with "specified", emphasizing a deliberate choice.

for a particular measure of

Substitutes "amount" with "measure", highlighting a specific unit.

with a set quantity of

Replaces "for a given" with "with a set", indicating a pre-determined value.

assuming a fixed quantity of

Adds an element of assumption regarding the amount.

considering a specific quantity of

Emphasizes the act of considering a defined amount.

for a predetermined quantity of

Highlights that the quantity was decided in advance.

given a defined quantity of

Inverts the structure while retaining similar meaning.

based on a fixed amount of

Indicates that something is based or calculated on a specific amount.

subject to a certain amount of

Implies conditionality based on a certain amount.

taking into account a particular amount of

Highlights a deliberate inclusion of a specific amount in consideration.

FAQs

How can I use "for a given amount of" in a sentence?

The phrase "for a given amount of" is used to specify a particular quantity or measure as a reference point. For example, "The heart shifts to glucose as a fuel, which provides more energy for a given amount of oxygen."

What are some alternatives to "for a given amount of"?

You can use alternatives like "for a specified quantity of", "with a set quantity of", or "given a defined quantity of" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "amount" or "number" with "for a given"?

"Amount" is used for non-countable items, while "number" is used for countable items. So, use "for a given amount of water" but "for a given number of cars."

In what contexts is "for a given amount of" commonly used?

This phrase is frequently used in scientific, technical, and economic contexts to establish a fixed quantity when comparing different scenarios or outcomes.