the amount was

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the amount was" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when describing how much of something there is. For example, "The amount was three times what I was expecting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The amount was tiny.

The Economist

The amount was not disclosed.

The New York Times

(The amount was later greatly reduced).

The New York Times

In 2011, the amount was €9 billion.

The New York Times

The amount was not reported.

The New York Times

The amount was later reduced.

The New York Times

The amount was later reduced to $599 million.

The New York Times

The amount was not disclosed to shareholders.

The New York Times

Some analysts said the amount was modest.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Mentioning the amount is optional.

The New York Times

The amount is still unclear.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the amount was", ensure the context clearly defines what is being measured. For instance, specify units (e.g., dollars, kilograms) immediately after the numerical value for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "the amount was" without specifying what the amount refers to. Always provide context to prevent ambiguity, such as "the amount of rainfall was" instead of simply "the amount was".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the amount was" functions as a declarative statement expressing a specific quantity, value, or extent. This is supported by Ludwig's examples showcasing its use across various contexts to quantify different subjects.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the amount was" is a versatile phrase used to express a measurable quantity, value, or extent. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. It is particularly common in news, science, and academic contexts. To ensure clarity, always specify what is being measured and use precise units. Common errors include vague references, so be explicit about the subject of the amount. Alternatives such as "the total reached" or "the sum came to" can be used depending on the context. This makes "the amount was" a reliable and frequently encountered expression in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the sum came to

Uses "sum" instead of "amount" and "came to" as the verb, implying a final calculation or result.

the total reached

Similar to "the sum came to" but emphasizes the reaching of a particular value or level.

the quantity totaled

Replaces "amount" with "quantity" and uses "totaled" as the verb, emphasizing the calculation of a sum.

the payment totaled

Similar to “the quantity totaled” but specifies it's referred to a payment.

the figure stood at

Replaces "amount" with "figure" and uses "stood at" to denote a specific value or measurement.

the cost reached

Focuses on the expense and what it got up to.

the volume measured

Uses "volume" to specify the quantity and "measured" to indicate how it was determined.

the size equaled

Focuses on the magnitude or dimension, using "size" and "equaled" to show correspondence.

the value represented

Emphasizes the worth or significance, using "value" and "represented" to illustrate what it signifies.

it measured up to

Expresses the idea of reaching a specific quantity using a different verb construction.

FAQs

How can I use "the amount was" in a sentence?

You can use "the amount was" to describe a quantity, value, or extent. For example, "The amount was three times what I expected" or "The amount was significantly lower than the previous year".

What are some alternatives to "the amount was"?

Alternatives include "the total reached", "the sum came to", or "the quantity totaled". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "the amount were" instead of "the amount was"?

No, "the amount was" is correct when referring to a single, collective amount. "Were" is used with plural subjects. If you are referring to multiple amounts, you would rephrase the sentence. For example, “The individual amounts were significantly different”.

When should I use "the number was" instead of "the amount was"?

"The number was" is best used when referring to countable items (e.g., "The number of attendees was 500"), while "the amount was" is suitable for non-countable quantities (e.g., "The amount of water was significant").