sheer amount

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sheer amount" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a large quantity or magnitude of something. For example: "The sheer amount of people that showed up for the event was unexpected."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The sheer amount of them!

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The sheer amount of time devoted to Ireland was remarkable.

The Guardian - Opinion

The sheer amount this man knows about religion is otherworldly.

The New York Times - Books

First, there is the sheer amount of money they owe.

The Economist

The sheer amount of wildlife under our waters is incredible.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

This problem still attracts a considerable amount of interest despite the sheer amount of available results.

European Journal of Operational Research

The sheer amount of work Noren poured into his study is incredible.

Columbia University

The efforts produce huge amounts of data due to the sheer amount of sequenced DNA.

Cornell University

The task is unlike any other because of the sheer amount of time involved.

The New York Times

One reason is the sheer amount of data on the web.

The Economist

The sheer amount of accompanying commentary and philological footnotes is one of them.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "sheer amount", consider the context to ensure it aligns with the intended emphasis. It is best suited when the quantity is noteworthy or surprising.

Common error

Avoid using "sheer amount" when you simply mean 'a lot' or 'many'. "Sheer" implies an overwhelming or surprising quantity, so using it in mundane contexts dilutes its impact. Instead, reserve it for situations where the quantity is genuinely remarkable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sheer amount" functions as a noun phrase that quantifies something, emphasizing its largeness or magnitude. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. It is frequently used to express surprise or awe at a large quantity, as demonstrated in the examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "sheer amount" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed noun phrase used to emphasize the impressiveness or unexpectedness of a large quantity. As Ludwig AI confirms, its correct usage spans various contexts, including News & Media, Science, and Academia. When writing, it's best to reserve this phrase for situations where the quantity is truly noteworthy, not just generally large. Consider alternatives such as "vast quantity" or "substantial volume" depending on the desired nuance. By following these guidelines, you can effectively leverage the power of "sheer amount" to enhance your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sheer volume

Synonymous and interchangeable, focusing on the volumetric aspect.

immense quantity

Conveys a sense of the amount being extremely large.

vast quantity

Emphasizes the largeness of the quantity, similar to "sheer amount".

substantial quantity

Suggests an amount that is considerable or significant.

copious amount

Implies an abundant or plentiful amount.

large quantity

A more general way to express a significant amount.

great quantity

Similar to "large quantity" but with a slightly more emphatic tone.

considerable volume

Focuses on the amount as a volume or mass.

significant magnitude

Highlights the importance and size of the amount.

abundance

Suggests a plentiful or overflowing quantity.

FAQs

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

Use "sheer amount" to describe a quantity that is surprisingly large or overwhelming. For example, "The "sheer amount" of work required to complete the project was unexpected".

What are some alternatives to using "sheer amount"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "large quantity", "vast quantity", or "substantial quantity" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it redundant to say "sheer amount of"?

No, it's not redundant. "Sheer" emphasizes the magnitude or size of the "amount". The phrase is commonly used and generally well-accepted in English writing.

Which is correct, "sheer amount" or "sheer number"?

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in slightly different contexts. "Sheer amount" is used for things that can be measured or quantified, while "sheer number" is used for things that can be counted.