moderate amount

USAGE SUMMARY

"moderate amount" is a grammatically correct phrase and is commonly used in written English.
It can be used to describe a quantity or degree that is not extreme or excessive. Example: "A moderate amount of rain fell last night, just enough to water the plants without causing floods."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

PROFANITY -- A moderate amount.

The New York Times

And this is worth a moderate amount.

Cornell University

Moderate amount of marketing material required to access database.

Harvard University

Thirty-eight percent trust scientific opinions a moderate amount.

The Washington Post

Over the past few decades, young Americans with a moderate amount of education have joined them.

The Guardian - Money

The team said the arthroscopic procedure removed a "moderate amount of debris" from Arenas's knee.

The New York Times

"If you drink a moderate amount of coffee, it is fine to keep your habit.

Harvard University

This figure (fig. 5) is human in form, apart from a moderate amount of figurative elaboration.

University of California, Berkeley

2. Use a more moderate amount of butter, and the result is still good.

The Washington Post

A moderate amount of preplanning can easily obviate such unfortunate occurrences.

Harvard Business Review

Some carpets are tightly knotted and matte, with a moderate amount of pile.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "moderate amount", ensure that the context provides a clear understanding of what constitutes 'moderate' within that specific situation. For example, "A moderate amount of exercise" should be further defined by frequency, intensity, or duration for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "moderate amount" without providing sufficient context or a reference point. Saying "add a moderate amount of spice" is vague unless the target spiciness level is understood. Instead, specify or quantify the amount relative to the overall dish or expected taste.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "moderate amount" functions as a determiner phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a quantity that is neither excessive nor deficient. It sets a boundary, suggesting balance or restraint. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Academia

21%

Science

19%

Less common in

Wiki

28%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "moderate amount" is a versatile expression used to describe a quantity that falls within reasonable or acceptable limits. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and widely employed across various contexts. Analysis of numerous examples reveals that while it's a common expression, clarity benefits from providing further context or specifics about what constitutes 'moderate' in each case. Related phrases include "reasonable quantity" and "fair measure", each providing subtle nuances in meaning. Overall, "moderate amount" serves as a useful tool for indicating balance and avoiding extremes, but its effectiveness relies on a shared understanding of the context in which it's used.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reasonable quantity

Replaces "amount" with "quantity", emphasizing the measurability and acceptability of the extent.

fair measure

Uses "measure" to suggest a considered and just portion, moving slightly away from a purely numerical sense.

moderate proportion

Substitutes "amount" with "proportion", highlighting the relative size or extent in relation to a whole.

temperate quantity

Replaces "moderate" with "temperate", suggesting restraint and balance in the amount.

limited quantity

Emphasizes the restriction or constraint on the amount, implying a controlled or reduced extent.

measured dose

More suitable for contexts involving application of an amount, focusing on how it's carefully regulated.

certain degree

Shifts the focus from quantity to the extent or level of something, applicable in abstract contexts.

modest quantity

Substitutes "moderate" with "modest", conveying humility and non-excessiveness.

average volume

Replaces "amount" with "volume", more specific for liquids or three-dimensional objects, implying a typical quantity.

slight measure

Indicates a small or minimal amount, changing the emphasis towards a lower quantity.

FAQs

How can I use "moderate amount" in a sentence?

Use "moderate amount" to describe a quantity or degree that is neither excessive nor deficient. For example: "A "moderate amount" of fertilizer can help plants grow, but too much can harm them."

What's the difference between "moderate amount" and "small amount"?

"Moderate amount" suggests a balanced or average quantity, while "small amount" indicates a lesser quantity. The choice depends on the specific degree you wish to convey.

What can I say instead of "moderate amount"?

You can use alternatives like "reasonable quantity", "fair measure", or "moderate proportion" depending on the context.

Is it better to be specific instead of using "moderate amount"?

While ""moderate amount"" is acceptable, being specific (e.g., "2 tablespoons", "a quarter of the recipe") provides clearer instructions or information. Specificity is generally preferred for accuracy and clarity.