sheer quantity

USAGE SUMMARY

"sheer quantity" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use "sheer quantity" when referring to a vast amount of something. For example, "The sheer quantity of data collected by the research team was staggering."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"The sheer quantity.

The New York Times - Arts

The sheer quantity of voices is unsettling.

The Guardian - Arts

For sheer quantity, nothing can beat the Homestead.

The New York Times

In the end, perhaps quality will emerge from sheer quantity.

The New York Times

They focused on sheer quantity, not quality, of time.

Independent

The sheer quantity of cash is hard to manage.

The Economist

Cost may be a concern because of the sheer quantity of oil used.

The New York Times

"The sheer quantity of networked information is astonishing, and it keeps increasing at astonishing rates".

The New York Times - Tech

If sheer quantity is the measure -- 11 musicals, 6 plays -- Broadway is booming.

The New York Times

Big farms have long compensated for the disequilibrium with sheer quantity.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The sheer quantity of Heidi's flesh accentuated just how white she was.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, be careful not to use "sheer quantity" redundantly with other words that already imply a large amount. For example, avoid phrases like "sheer vast quantity."

Common error

Don't mistake "sheer quantity" for quality. While a large amount can be impressive, it doesn't guarantee value or excellence. Always consider the quality alongside the quantity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sheer quantity" functions as a noun phrase that typically serves as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence. It emphasizes the magnitude or extent of something, often indicating that the amount is surprisingly or impressively large, as Ludwig examples show.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Science

12%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sheer quantity" is a commonly used noun phrase that serves to emphasize the magnitude or extent of something. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable when referring to a vast amount of something. Its register is neutral, making it appropriate for various contexts, including News & Media, science, and encyclopedias. When using the phrase, it's crucial to focus more on the quality and not mistaking the term "sheer quantity" for quality. Common alternatives include "vast amount", "large volume", and "significant number". Ludwig AI confirms the correctness and usability of this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

vast amount

Changes the adjective to describe the size of the amount.

large volume

Replaces quantity with a related term focusing on capacity.

significant number

Focuses on the numerical aspect of the quantity.

substantial amount

Emphasizes the size of the amount

considerable volume

Similar to large volume, but slightly more formal.

huge quantity

Uses a more emphatic adjective to describe the quantity.

massive amount

Similar to vast amount, but perhaps implying a greater scale.

immense volume

A more formal synonym for large volume, suggesting a great size.

great number

Similar to significant number, but more general.

bulk quantity

Implies that the amount is usually commercial

FAQs

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

You can use "sheer quantity" to emphasize a large amount of something, as in, "The "sheer quantity" of data was overwhelming."

What are some alternatives to "sheer quantity"?

Alternatives include "vast amount", "large volume", or "significant number", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to focus on "sheer quantity" or quality?

It depends on the situation. "Sheer quantity" may be important in some cases, but quality is often more valuable. Consider both aspects.

What does "sheer" mean in "sheer quantity"?

In the context of ""sheer quantity"", "sheer" emphasizes the extent or degree of the quantity, implying it is notably large or overwhelming.