in great quantities

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in great quantities" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the large amount or volume of something, often in contexts related to consumption, production, or availability. Example: "The factory produces toys in great quantities to meet the holiday demand."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It's not eaten in great quantities," Ms. Kennedy said.

The New York Times - Food

They provide beer, and sell drugs, mostly cocaine and marijuana, in great quantities.

The New Yorker

If eaten in great quantities before a feast, there would be no hangover.

The Guardian - Arts

That would mean human stem cells, which can be grown in great quantities.

The New York Times - Science

Instead, the displays emphasize the things Webb collected, in great quantities.

The Washington Post

Sand sources along the ancestral Rocky Mountains supplied eolian sand and silt in great quantities.

Britannica

Progesterone is produced in the second half of the cycle and in great quantities in pregnancy.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Many Thai provinces are celebrated for signature foodstuffs or products that are retailed in great quantities alongside major thoroughfares.

The New York Times - Travel

Somehow, Nutting is able to use this register of exhilarated lovelessness to extract affection from the reader in great quantities.

The New Yorker

It is not unusual for the JR Tobacco warehouse in Statesville, North Carolina, to sell cigarettes in great quantities.

The New Yorker

Your body can absorb microwaves, but they are not produced in great quantities by the Sun or other objects.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in great quantities" when you want to emphasize the substantial amount of something, often implying it is more than just 'a lot' or 'much'. It's particularly effective when highlighting production, consumption, or availability.

Common error

Avoid using "in great quantities" when simpler terms like "much" or "a lot" would suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound overly formal or pretentious when describing everyday situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in great quantities" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to describe the extent or degree to which an action occurs or a state exists. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is commonly used to express a large amount or volume of something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Encyclopedias

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

4%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in great quantities" is a grammatically correct and frequently used adverbial phrase that describes the large amount or volume of something. According to Ludwig, it is applicable across various contexts, including news, encyclopedias, and scientific literature. While "in large amounts" serves as a direct alternative, other related phrases such as "in abundance" and "profusely" offer nuances in meaning. When using "in great quantities", ensure it appropriately emphasizes the magnitude of what you're describing and avoid overuse in simple situations. Ludwig provides extensive examples that showcase this phrase's versatility and proper application.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in large amounts

This is a more straightforward and common way to express a similar meaning, using simpler vocabulary.

in vast numbers

This alternative is useful when referring to countable items.

in abundance

This alternative focuses on the plentiful nature of something, rather than just the amount.

copiously

Similar to "profusely", this term suggests a large and generous amount.

to a great extent

This emphasizes the degree or scope to which something exists or occurs.

profusely

This adverb describes something being produced or given out freely and generously.

extensively

This term highlights the degree to which something is present or happens.

on a large scale

This phrase implies that something is happening or being produced in a big way.

in bulk

This phrase emphasizes dealing with something in large, unseparated quantities.

by the ton

This is a more figurative way to suggest very large amounts.

FAQs

How can I use "in great quantities" in a sentence?

You can use "in great quantities" to describe something that is produced, consumed, or available in large amounts. For example, "The factory produces toys "in great quantities" to meet the holiday demand."

What are some alternatives to "in great quantities"?

You can use alternatives like "in abundance", "in large amounts", or "profusely" depending on the specific context.

Is it more appropriate to use "in large quantities" or "in great quantities"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct and largely interchangeable. "In great quantities" might suggest a slightly higher degree or impact than "in large quantities", but the difference is often negligible. Choose the option that best fits the tone and flow of your writing.

What is the difference between "in great quantities" and "in significant quantities"?

"In significant quantities" implies that the amount is not just large but also important or noteworthy. "In great quantities" simply refers to a large amount, without necessarily implying significance. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the importance or just the amount.