overwhelming amount

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'overwhelming amount' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when referring to a large number of objects, items, or tasks that seem too large or too much to be managed. For example: The house was filled with an overwhelming amount of books, and it took hours to organize them all.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

An overwhelming amount of sky.

The New York Times - Travel

But an overwhelming amount of fear and anxiety is debilitating.

The New York Times - Arts

"There has been some communication, but not an overwhelming amount.

The Guardian

If all this sounds like an overwhelming amount of coordination. . .

The Washington Post

He had an absolutely overwhelming amount of good will.

The New York Times

There is an overwhelming amount of evidence that redshifts accurately give distances in the cosmos.

Harvard University

That may not be an overwhelming amount, but it's an uncharacteristic number for these Giants.

The New York Times

But what surprised us was that along with that sadness was an overwhelming amount of support.

The New York Times

"He can handle an overwhelming amount of information," Dr. McCosker said.

The New York Times - Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Because lawmakers were getting an overwhelming amount of people contacting them who supported the bill.

Huffington Post

The overwhelming amount of news and entertainment comes via broadcast and print.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "overwhelming amount", ensure the context clearly indicates what is causing the feeling of being overwhelmed. Be specific about the source of the feeling.

Common error

Avoid using "overwhelming amount" when simply describing a large quantity without the sense of being burdened or challenged by it. Use "large amount" or "substantial quantity" instead if there is no sense of being overwhelmed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "overwhelming amount" functions as a determiner modifying a noun. It specifies and emphasizes the large quantity of something, often implying that the quantity is so large it causes difficulty or stress. Ludwig's examples show its application across diverse subjects.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "overwhelming amount" is a versatile expression used to describe a quantity that is so large it is difficult to handle or manage. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and frequently used in various contexts, including news, science, and academia. While alternatives like "substantial quantity" or "considerable volume" exist, they do not always fully capture the sense of being burdened by the quantity, which is central to the meaning of "overwhelming amount". Remember to consider the connotation of being burdened or stressed when using this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

massive quantity

Like "overwhelming amount", but places more emphasis on raw size and less on the feeling of being overwhelmed.

vast quantity

Indicates extremely large quantities, even larger than "overwhelming amount".

great quantity

States a large quantity. It's the basic form of the phrase.

substantial quantity

Emphasizes the largeness of the quantity but is slightly more formal.

huge volume

Highlights something with physical dimension.

considerable volume

Focuses on the size or capacity of something, suggesting a significant amount.

extreme degree

Focuses on intensity, like "significant degree" but stronger.

significant degree

Highlights the extent or level of something, rather than the physical quantity.

copious quantity

Implies an abundant or plentiful amount, often more than necessary.

large proportion

Indicates that something takes up a big part of a whole.

FAQs

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

You can use "overwhelming amount" to describe a quantity so large it causes a feeling of being burdened or challenged. For example, "The project involved an overwhelming amount of paperwork".

What are some alternatives to "overwhelming amount"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "substantial quantity", "considerable volume", or "significant degree".

Is it correct to say "an overwhelming number" instead of "overwhelming amount"?

Yes, "overwhelming number" is correct, especially when referring to countable items. "Overwhelming amount" is generally used for things that are not easily countable, like information or pressure.

What's the difference between "overwhelming amount" and "large amount"?

"Large amount" simply indicates a significant quantity. "Overwhelming amount" implies that the quantity is so large it causes stress or difficulty in managing it. It's a matter of connotation and context.