prodigious amount of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "prodigious amount of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a very large quantity of something, often in a context that emphasizes the impressiveness or extraordinary nature of that quantity. Example: "The scientist collected a prodigious amount of data during the experiment, which allowed for comprehensive analysis."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

At Graham's and elsewhere, Poe wrote a prodigious amount of rather extraordinary literary criticism.

The New Yorker

They help communities survive, but produce a prodigious amount of noxious waste.

The Economist

A prodigious amount of ordnance has already been deployed in Mosul.

The New Yorker

To be sure, the lawn consumed a prodigious amount of psychic energy and agricultural expertise well before it opened.

The New York Times - Arts

"A prodigious amount of material," said Mr. Price, who is at about 3,000 documents and searching for more.

The New York Times

The spending by outside groups comes on top of a prodigious amount of cash raised by lawmakers.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

Prodigious amounts of natural gas are sitting in Alaska.

The New York Times

It is a ground feeder that eats prodigious amounts of small seeds.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It also furnished prodigious amounts of zinc, lead and selenium from the region's mines.

The Economist

Despite their ability to carry prodigious amounts of data, fiber-optic cables are also highly insecure.

The New York Times - Tech

Extracting oil and natural gas from the ground with hydraulic fracturing techniques requires prodigious amounts of water.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "prodigious amount of" when you want to emphasize not only the largeness of a quantity but also its remarkable or impressive nature. It's suitable for both formal and informal writing where a strong impact is desired.

Common error

Avoid using "prodigious amount of" in contexts where a simpler phrase like "large amount of" or "a lot of" would suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound pretentious or unnecessarily verbose.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "prodigious amount of" functions as a quantifier, specifically modifying a noun to indicate a significantly large quantity. As indicated by Ludwig AI, this phrase is considered grammatically correct. Examples from Ludwig showcase its use across various contexts to emphasize the magnitude of something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Encyclopedias

13%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "prodigious amount of" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote a remarkably large quantity. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and broad applicability. While versatile, it's important to consider the context and avoid overuse in simple situations where a more direct phrase would suffice. The phrase appears most frequently in news, encyclopedias, and scientific sources, lending a degree of formality to the writing. Alternatives include "huge amount of", "vast quantity of", and "substantial amount of", allowing writers to fine-tune their expression based on the intended nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

huge amount of

A more common and less formal way to indicate a large quantity. It's generally interchangeable but lacks the emphasis of "prodigious".

vast quantity of

Implies a very large and extensive amount. It focuses on the scale or extent of the quantity.

enormous quantity of

Suggests a great size or magnitude, similar to "huge" but perhaps slightly more formal.

substantial amount of

Indicates a considerable or significant quantity, often used in more formal contexts.

immense volume of

Emphasizes the sheer size or capacity of something, suggesting a large amount in terms of bulk or space.

considerable quantity of

Similar to "substantial amount", highlighting the noteworthiness of the quantity.

significant quantity of

Highlights that the amount is important or impactful in some way.

large quantity of

A basic and direct way to express a sizable amount, lacking the nuance of "prodigious".

copious amount of

Suggests an abundant or plentiful quantity, often implying generosity or excess.

tremendous quantity of

Emphasizes the great size or power associated with the quantity.

FAQs

How can I use "prodigious amount of" in a sentence?

You can use "prodigious amount of" to describe something that exists in large and impressive quantities, for example, "The project required a "prodigious amount of" research".

What are some alternatives to "prodigious amount of"?

Alternatives include "huge amount of", "vast quantity of", or "substantial amount of", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "prodigious amount of" formal or informal?

"Prodigious amount of" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but consider your audience. In some situations, a simpler phrase like "large amount of" might be more appropriate.

What does "prodigious" emphasize in "prodigious amount of"?

"Prodigious" emphasizes that the amount is not only large but also remarkably impressive or extraordinary. It adds a sense of wonder or astonishment to the quantity.