quota

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "quota" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where a limit or share of something is assigned or expected, such as in business, education, or resource allocation. Example: "The sales team has met their quota for the month, exceeding expectations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's more of a problem within smaller organisations that may not have an equal opportunities quota".

The Guardian

"I'm in no way advocating an unjust quota system, but it's not good enough to have one woman in the federal cabinet".

The Guardian

(Compare, say, life as an eighteenth-century candlemaker: have you made today's quota of candles? Then you're done).

The Guardian - Opinion

"The UK has a proud history of offering asylum to those who need it most – there is no quota for any nation and all applications are considered on their individual needs".

The Guardian

But the spectacular success story is city farming, which produces 60% of Cuban vegetables and provides more than the UN's recommended health quota of the 300 grams per day per person.

The Guardian

And a double dissolution election, in which half the normal quota is required to elect Senate candidates, would assist the same minor parties and independents that are playing havoc with the government's budget strategy at the moment.

The Guardian

At other times, rooms cost $335 and since it's a favoured billet for actors who don't have a home in LA, the star quota is always high, with regular sightings of Keira Knightley, Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie and Jude Law.

The Guardian - Travel

I am not suggesting a repeat of the Cinematograph Films Act of 1927, a vain attempt to counter Hollywood influence by establishing British film quotas, which resulted in the production of numerous "quota quickies", low-budget films with little regard for quality that reached very few people.

The Guardian

Another failed Medinsky law was a quota system for Russian movies.

The Guardian - Film

Spielberg's underlings have yet to be announced but you can expect the usual quota of one huge Hollywood star, one auteur only the most cinephilic have heard of and at least two women.

The Guardian - Film

The annual quota is 120 tonnes and net meshes have to be at least 54cm wide so small fish can pass through.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "quota" in a professional context, clearly define the basis for the quota. Is it based on sales, production, or some other measurable metric?

Common error

Avoid ambiguity by specifying the criteria for the "quota". For example, instead of simply saying "meet your quota", clarify with "meet your sales quota of $10,000 per month".

Linguistic Context

The word "quota" functions primarily as a noun. It is used to denote a specific amount, share, or limit assigned or allowed. Ludwig AI confirms the standard grammatical function based on numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "quota" is a common noun referring to a proportional share, limit, or assigned number. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used in various contexts, particularly in news, business, and science. When writing with "quota", clarity is key; ensure the basis for the quota is clearly defined. Related terms include "allocation", "limit", and "target", offering nuanced alternatives depending on the intended meaning. "Quota" is found in both formal and informal settings and the examples show its purpose is to specify restrictions and objectives. Prominent sources include The Guardian and The Economist, reflecting its relevance in discussions about economics, politics, and social issues.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

allocation

Focuses on the act of distributing resources or responsibilities.

allotment

Implies a specific portion assigned to an individual or group.

apportionment

Highlights the proportional distribution based on a specific criterion.

limit

Emphasizes the maximum quantity or extent allowed.

ceiling

Refers to an upper boundary or restriction.

ration

Suggests a controlled distribution, often during scarcity.

share

Indicates a portion belonging to or contributed by an individual.

percentage

Expresses a proportion in relation to a whole.

target

Focuses on a goal or benchmark to be achieved.

prescribed amount

Highlights a quantity that is set or determined.

FAQs

How can I use "quota" in a sentence?

You can use "quota" to refer to a proportional share or a specific limit, such as in "The company set a sales quota for each employee" or "The import quota restricts the quantity of goods allowed into the country".

What's the difference between "quota" and "allocation"?

"Quota" often refers to a specific, assigned amount or limit, while "allocation" generally refers to the distribution process. A "quota" is the amount received through an allocation.

Which is correct, "quota" or "quotum"?

"Quota" is the more commonly used and accepted term. "Quotum" is an older, less frequent variant.

What can I say instead of "quota"?

You can use alternatives like "limit", "allocation", or "target" depending on the context.