significant quantities

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "significant quantities" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a large amount or volume of something, often in contexts like research, business, or environmental discussions. Example: "The study found that significant quantities of plastic waste were present in the ocean."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"Significant quantities of uranium": Enough to build a bomb.

The New York Times

But significant quantities of fake drugs are still getting through, international health officials say.

The New York Times

"During questioning she admitted she drank significant quantities of alcohol every day.

The Guardian

Starting in April, China began stockpiling significant quantities of crude oil.

The New York Times

Iraq likely has significant quantities of biological warfare agents and some chemical munitions.

The New York Times

He is the only British singer of the 50s whose records still sell in significant quantities.

The Guardian - Opinion

The greenhouse gases that humans do emit directly in significant quantities are:  Carbon dioxide (CO2).

The Guardian

"The British government has learned that Saddam Hussein recently sought significant quantities of uranium from Africa".

The New Yorker

A military spokesperson said Russia was continuing to send significant quantities of military equipment into Ukraine.

The Guardian

And sometime in 2001 North Korean scientists began to enrich uranium in significant quantities.

The New Yorker

It is the largest element found on Earth in significant quantities.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "significant quantities", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being measured and why the quantity is considered significant. Provide specific numbers or comparisons to enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "significant quantities" without providing specific context. For example, instead of saying "The study found significant quantities of pollutants", specify the type and amount of pollutants found.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "significant quantities" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "significant" modifies "quantities". As Ludwig AI confirms, this combination serves to emphasize that the amount or number being referred to is noteworthy or impactful. Examples in Ludwig show it qualifying various nouns, from "uranium" to "alcohol".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Encyclopedias

18%

Science

18%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "significant quantities" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe amounts that are both large and important. As affirmed by Ludwig AI, it serves to highlight the noteworthiness or impact of the quantity being discussed. While found across various contexts, it appears most frequently in news, encyclopedias and scientific writing, thus reflecting a neutral to formal tone. For maximum clarity, always specify what is being measured and why it's considered significant. Remember to avoid vagueness. For alternative expressions, consider phrases such as "substantial amounts" or "considerable volume".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

substantial amounts

Replaces "quantities" with "amounts", emphasizing the total measure or number of something.

considerable volume

Substitutes "quantities" with "volume", highlighting the space occupied or the capacity of something.

appreciable amount

Uses "appreciable" to stress that the amount is noticeable or important.

large proportions

Emphasizes the ratio or percentage of a whole, rather than the absolute number.

notable measure

Highlights that the amount is worthy of attention or easily observed.

marked degree

Focuses on the extent or level to which something is present or evident.

sizeable portion

Indicates a considerable part or share of something.

remarkable extent

Stresses the unusual or exceptional nature of the amount or degree.

extensive volume

Highlights the vastness or breadth of the amount.

generous supply

Suggests an ample or abundant provision of something.

FAQs

How can I use "significant quantities" in a sentence?

Use "significant quantities" to describe a large or noteworthy amount of something. For example: "The research revealed "significant quantities" of methane being released into the atmosphere."

What are some alternatives to saying "significant quantities"?

Alternatives include "substantial amounts", "considerable volume", or "appreciable amount" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "large quantities" or "significant quantities"?

"Significant quantities" often implies that the amount is not only large but also important or meaningful in a particular context. "Large quantities" simply refers to a large amount.

What does "significant quantities" mean in a scientific context?

In science, "significant quantities" typically refers to amounts that are statistically relevant or have a notable impact on the system being studied. The exact amount considered "significant" depends on the specific research and field.