magnitude

USAGE SUMMARY

'magnitude' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the degree, intensity, or size of something, such as 'The magnitude of the storm was unexpected'.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The public health community has an important role to play in demonstrating the magnitude of tobacco's threat to public health and calling on governments to strip away the trademark protections, rights to sue and opportunities to lobby that big tobacco uses to bully public representatives.

The Guardian

A leading academic study concludes there is "equivocal evidence regarding its magnitude".

The Guardian - Film

According to the report: "The size of the benefit to families with children from the new child-care package is, in any case, much smaller in magnitude than the cuts proposed in the 2014‐15 budget which will still clearly leave families at the bottom end of the income spectrum significantly worse off in absolute and percentage terms.

The Guardian

In the event of a no vote the magnitude of the chaos across Europe would be far greater than when Ireland first rejected the Lisbon treaty.

The Guardian

The problem with taking your 10-month-old baby on holiday to a luxury, five-star boutique hotel is that the magnitude of this fact leaves them cold.

The Guardian - Travel

The institute's chief executive, Ian Tudor, told Guardian Australia the confidentiality of student records was of "paramount importance to the institute, and given the magnitude of the breach of confidentiality we were obliged to report it to the police".

The Guardian

And as we start connecting everything we touch to networks, the risks will rise by orders of magnitude – especially as criminals and governments infect and alter everyday devices.

The Guardian - Opinion

Ecocide (wilful damage to the environment, ecosystems, biodiversity) should be internationally recognised as a crime of the greatest magnitude.

The Guardian - Opinion

"The magnitude of the immune responses observed in the vaccine recipients were less than those observed in monkeys that were protected from experimental Ebola virus infection, but we don't fully understand what degree of immunity humans require in order to protect them from infection.

The Guardian

But there is no better way of understanding it – the written word – which is why I believe that literature is vital if we want to continue appreciating the magnitude of such an historical event.

The Guardian

Even by the end of this century, on current trends we risk changes of a magnitude that are unprecedented in the last 10,000 years.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "magnitude" when you want to emphasize the scale, extent, or importance of something. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "magnitude" interchangeably with words like "size" or "amount" when you specifically intend to convey importance or impact, rather than just physical dimensions. "Magnitude" often carries a connotation of significance that simpler terms lack.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "magnitude" is as a noun, often used as the object of a preposition (e.g., "of"). It typically quantifies or qualifies another noun, indicating its extent or degree. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature, supported by numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "magnitude" is a versatile noun frequently employed to denote the size, extent, or importance of something. As Ludwig AI's analysis and real-world examples confirm, it is grammatically sound and widely used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Scientific domains. To ensure accuracy, remember to focus on its ability to convey significant size or impact, rather than simply quantity. By using "magnitude" appropriately, you can enhance the precision and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extent

Focuses on the range or scope rather than the intensity or importance.

size

Implies a physical dimension or numerical value, often more concrete.

degree

Emphasizes the level or intensity of a quality or action.

scale

Highlights the relative size or extent, often in comparison to something else.

scope

Highlights the breadth or range of something, often an activity or project.

intensity

Refers to the strength or force of something, usually an emotion or phenomenon.

importance

Underscores the significance or value of something.

level

Indicates a specific point on a scale or hierarchy.

seriousness

Emphasizes the gravity or critical nature of a situation.

strength

Focuses on the power or force that something possesses.

FAQs

How to use "magnitude" in a sentence?

You can use "magnitude" to describe the size, extent, or importance of something, such as "The magnitude of the problem is greater than we initially thought."

What can I say instead of "magnitude"?

You can use alternatives like "extent", "scale", or "importance" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "magnitude of" or "the magnitude of"?

Both "magnitude of" and "the magnitude of" are grammatically correct. The choice depends on whether you are referring to a specific magnitude or a general concept. For example, "the magnitude of the earthquake" refers to a specific event, while "magnitude of impact" refers to the general concept.

What's the difference between "magnitude" and "intensity"?

"Magnitude" generally refers to the size or extent of something, while "intensity" refers to the strength or force. For example, you might talk about the "magnitude" of an earthquake and the "intensity" of the shaking.