in vast quantities

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in vast quantities" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a large amount or volume of something, often in contexts related to resources, materials, or data. Example: "The factory produces widgets in vast quantities to meet the high demand from retailers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

And in vast quantities.

The Guardian

All were exported in vast quantities.

The New York Times

Russian oligarchs buying art in vast quantities.

The Guardian - Arts

Instead it was made in vast quantities and reheated, either in kettles or with steam wands.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Compare the sincerely greedy Warhol, who produced art cheaply, in vast quantities.

The New Yorker

When a title makes it to Costco, however, it generally sells in vast quantities.

The New York Times

And they will sell, because you buy the trash in vast quantities.

The Guardian

Tapa cloth was made in vast quantities and in lengths up to hundreds of yards.

Encyclopedia Britannica

All these are consumed by whales in vast quantities with each concentrated mouthful.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Ethernet network interface cards are relatively cheap and produced in vast quantities.

Practical Industrial Data Communications Best Practice Techniques

Data are available in vast quantities in all branches of electronic engineering.

Instrumentation Reference Book

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in vast quantities" to emphasize the sheer magnitude or abundance of something, especially when the quantity is a significant factor. For example, "Data is generated "in vast quantities" every day."

Common error

While versatile, "in vast quantities" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Consider using simpler alternatives like "a lot" or "loads" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in vast quantities" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs to describe the extent to which something is produced, consumed, or exists. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. The examples show it modifying various actions across different contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

24%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in vast quantities" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to emphasize the large amount or abundance of something. As Ludwig highlights, this phrase is versatile, appearing in diverse contexts ranging from news and media to scientific literature. While generally appropriate for neutral to formal registers, consider simpler alternatives like "a lot" or "loads" for casual conversations. Understanding the subtle difference between "quantities" and "amounts" can further refine your writing. The phrase signals not just a large amount but also a significant degree or scale. Keep in mind, as Ludwig's analysis suggests, while the phrase is correct, one should be aware of the context to be used.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in substantial amounts

Replaces "quantities" with the more general "amounts", softening the emphasis on specific counts.

in enormous volumes

Uses "volumes" to refer to bulk or capacity, slightly altering the image conveyed.

on a massive scale

Shifts focus from the amount to the size or scope of production or consumption.

in great abundance

Emphasizes the plentiful nature rather than the sheer amount.

profusely

A single-word adverb expressing abundance or extravagance.

in copious measure

Uses a more formal and literary tone, suggesting a generous or overflowing amount.

to a great extent

Indicates a large degree or scope, generalizing the concept of quantity.

extensively

Focuses on the widespread or far-reaching nature of something, rather than the amount.

without limit

Expresses an unrestricted or unbounded amount, suggesting an inexhaustible supply.

galore

An informal term indicating plenty of something, often used in a celebratory context.

FAQs

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

Use "in vast quantities" to describe something that exists or is produced in large amounts, such as: "The factory produces goods "in vast quantities"." or "The ocean contains plankton "in vast quantities"."

What are some alternatives to "in vast quantities"?

Alternatives include "in large amounts", "in great volumes", "on a massive scale", or "in great abundance". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "in vast quantities" or "in large quantities"?

"In vast quantities" implies a greater magnitude than "in large quantities". Use "in vast quantities" when you want to emphasize the immense amount of something.

What's the difference between "in vast quantities" and "in vast amounts"?

While similar, "quantities" is typically used for countable items, whereas "amounts" is used for uncountable substances or abstract concepts. You might say "water is present "in vast amounts"" and "products are manufactured "in vast quantities"".