half the quantity of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "half the quantity of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a measurement or amount that is 50% of a specified quantity. Example: "To make the recipe, you will need half the quantity of sugar compared to what is listed."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Lifestyle

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

If you don't have any fresh lemon verbena leaves, use half the quantity of dried leaves, or grab some mint instead.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

You need only half the quantity of pastry here, so save the rest – just wrap the excess in clingfilm and chill or freeze until needed (it'll keep for at least a month in the freezer).

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The data show that heterodimeric WT/Y382F has approximately half the quantity of reactive TPQs of the WT/WT AGAO.

ChemBioChem

Plaited bread Take half the quantity of white yeast dough after it has been 'knocked back' and divide it into three equal pieces.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

To save a bit on expenses, buy half the quantity of the double-action ProShares fund.

Forbes

The LT50s of Bb-AaIT and WT could not be calculated at the low concentration because no more than half the quantity of lethal larvae or adult mosquitoes could be observed at the final time.

AMB Express

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

This is coherent with the fact that MC18_28 has half of the quantity of 18 °C PCM when compared with MC18.

International Journal of Energy and Environmental Engineering

The size of information is N = 25,600, the request of every subsection perception tests M = 1024, the superpose level of every subsection information is half, and the quantity of subsection is K = 2N/M − 1 = 49.

Chinese Journal of Mechanical Engineering

After more than a century and a half of nearly unbroken growth, the quantity of greenhouse gases we pour into the atmosphere each year has stalled for the third year running.

The Guardian

The method is applicable to very old rocks because the transformation is extremely slow: the half-life, or time required for half the initial quantity of rubidium-87 to disappear, is approximately 50 billion years.

Encyclopedia Britannica

However, they produce between 125 and 150 m3/h, which is about half the proven quantity of the whole basin and is sufficient for the total number demand (Mudallal 1990).

Applied Water Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "half the quantity of", ensure the context clearly defines what the original quantity refers to. This avoids ambiguity and ensures the reader understands the reduction being described.

Common error

Avoid using "half the quantity of" without specifying the original whole amount. Always provide context to ensure clarity and prevent confusion for the reader. For example, instead of saying "use half the quantity", specify "use half the quantity of sugar called for in the recipe".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "half the quantity of" functions as a determiner phrase, modifying a noun to indicate that the amount is reduced by half. Ludwig examples showcase its application in recipes, scientific contexts, and financial discussions, consistently conveying the notion of halving a specific measurement.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

40%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Lifestyle

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "half the quantity of" effectively communicates a reduction by 50% in a specific amount. While grammatically correct and usable in various contexts, it's most frequently found in scientific and news-related articles. Ludwig suggests using it to provide clear instructions or comparisons, particularly in recipes or scientific explanations. For simpler alternatives, consider "half the amount of" or "50% of". As emphasized by Ludwig, always provide sufficient context to avoid ambiguity when referring to "half the quantity of".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

half the amount of

Replaces "quantity" with "amount", a direct synonym, to describe a proportional size.

fifty percent of the quantity of

Expresses the same proportion using a percentage, making it more explicit and formal.

one half of the quantity of

Uses the fraction "one half" instead of "half", offering a slightly more formal tone.

half the volume of

Substitutes "quantity" with "volume", appropriate when referring to liquid or gaseous substances.

half the measure of

Replaces "quantity" with "measure", emphasizing the act of quantifying something.

fifty percent less than the quantity of

Specifies that the quantity is reduced by fifty percent, emphasizing the reduction.

half the extent of

Replaces quantity with extent, which is helpful if you want to reference the reach or scope of something.

half the magnitude of

Replaces quantity with magnitude, appropriate when discussing sizes or impacts.

half the weight of

Specifies the parameter as weight, suited when dealing with tangible goods or materials.

reduced to fifty percent

Focuses on the end result of the reduction, simplifying the wording.

FAQs

What does "half the quantity of" mean?

It means fifty percent, or one-half, of a particular amount. For example, "I used half the quantity of flour" means I used 50% of the flour that was needed.

What's a simpler way to say "half the quantity of"?

You can use phrases like "half the amount of" or "50% of". These are generally easier to understand and more concise.

How do I correctly use "half the quantity of" in a sentence?

Ensure you specify what you are taking half of. For example, instead of saying "add half the quantity", say "add "half the quantity of sugar" called for in the recipe".

Is it better to say "half the quantity of" or "half as much as"?

It depends on the context. "Half the quantity of" is generally used for measurable items, while "half as much as" can be used more broadly for non-measurable things or in comparative statements.