reasonable amount

USAGE SUMMARY

"reasonable amount" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to indicate a quantity that is not extreme or excessive, but appropriate and acceptable. For example: I'm asking for a reasonable amount of help in order to complete this project.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"She sent a reasonable amount," he said.

Independent

For a totally reasonable amount of money.

The New York Times

Before: A reasonable amount of kitchenware.

The New Yorker

Plus, there is a reasonable amount of storage.

The New York Times

They're climbed quite regularly by a reasonable amount of people.

The Guardian

A reasonable amount at breakfast time, certainly, but hardly bottomless.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"You've got to do the reasonable amount of testing".

The New York Times

Until midnight a reasonable amount of laughter will be tolerated".

The New Yorker

"What's a reasonable amount of LSD?" "Right," he smiles.

The Guardian - Books

I need a reasonable amount of sleep at night.

The New York Times

The record companies get a reasonable amount of money.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "reasonable amount", consider the context to ensure the quantity aligns with expectations. For instance, "a reasonable amount of time" will differ greatly based on the task.

Common error

Avoid using "reasonable amount" without context, as it is subjective. Specify what constitutes a reasonable amount in your specific scenario to ensure clarity. Instead of saying: "Use a reasonable amount of water", be more specific and say: "Use 2 cups of water."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reasonable amount" primarily functions as a determiner phrase modifying a noun. It quantifies the noun in a way that suggests the quantity is neither excessive nor deficient, but rather appropriate or fair. As supported by Ludwig, the phrase is widely accepted and used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Wiki

19%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Academia

5%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "reasonable amount" is a versatile phrase used to denote a quantity that is appropriate and justifiable in a given situation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across diverse contexts, from news and media to scientific and informal writing. While "reasonable amount" is frequently used, be mindful of its inherent subjectivity. Providing context or specifying actual numbers will increase clarity. Alternatives such as ""fair amount"" or ""sufficient amount"" can offer subtle shifts in meaning, allowing for more precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

decent amount

Focuses on the acceptability or adequacy of the quantity.

fair amount

Implies impartiality or justice in the quantity provided.

sufficient amount

Highlights that the quantity is enough to meet a specific need.

adequate amount

Stresses that the quantity is satisfactory or acceptable for a purpose.

suitable amount

Emphasizes the appropriateness of the quantity for a given situation.

appropriate amount

Highlights that the quantity is particularly well-suited for a specific context.

moderate amount

Suggests a quantity that is neither excessive nor deficient.

sensible amount

Implies that the quantity is chosen with good judgment and practicality.

justifiable amount

Indicates that the quantity can be defended or explained logically.

acceptable amount

Focuses on the permissibility or tolerability of the quantity.

FAQs

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

You can use "reasonable amount" to describe a quantity that is fair and appropriate in a given situation. For example: "I need a "reasonable amount of time" to complete the project" or "She expects a "reasonable amount of money" for her services".

What are some alternatives to "reasonable amount"?

Alternatives to "reasonable amount" include "fair amount", "sufficient amount", "adequate amount", or "appropriate amount". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "reasonable amount" or "sufficient amount"?

Both "reasonable amount" and "sufficient amount" are correct, but they emphasize different aspects. "Reasonable amount" suggests fairness and appropriateness, while "sufficient amount" emphasizes adequacy for a particular need. Choose the phrase that best fits the context.

What does "reasonable amount of time" mean in a contract?

In a contract, "reasonable amount of time" is a flexible term that depends on the specific circumstances and industry standards. Courts often interpret it based on what a reasonable person would consider sufficient to fulfill the obligation, but it's always best to define specific timeframes to avoid disputes.