the quantity of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'the quantity of' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use 'the quantity of' when you wish to refer to an amount or number of something. For example, "I'm not sure of the quantity of chairs we need to purchase".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The quantity of skin?

The New York Times

The quantity of objects found is impressive.

Encyclopedia Britannica

— I gloated over the quantity of them.

The New Yorker

The quantity of reading is inconceivable.

The Guardian - Books

I don't mean the weather or the quantity of rainfall.

The New York Times

He isn't very troubled by the quantity of apparent overdoses.

The Guardian

The quantity of shops ought not be considered.

The Guardian - Opinion

It's not the quantity of shots, it's the quality".

The New York Times - Sports

But the quantity of loot was rarely newsworthy.

The New York Times

Usually twice the quantity of liquid as rice is needed.

The New York Times - Food

The quantity of food in the depot is overwhelming.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing countable items, consider using "the number of" instead of "the quantity of" for improved clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "the quantity of" when you actually intend to discuss the quality or attributes of something. Use "quality" to describe characteristics and "quantity" to describe amount.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the quantity of" functions as a determiner phrase specifying the amount or number of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used to express the extent or size of a particular entity. Examples from Ludwig show its use in diverse contexts, from rainfall to objects found.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Science

22%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Academia

6%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the quantity of" is a versatile phrase used to denote the amount or number of something. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness, and its prevalence across various contexts, particularly in News & Media, Science, and Wiki sources, highlights its widespread applicability. While generally neutral to formal, it's essential to consider the specific context and choose the most appropriate synonym, such as "the amount of" or "the number of", to enhance clarity. When using this phrase, ensure that you're truly discussing the quantity and not the quality of the subject. Remember that clear and precise language is key to effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the amount of

Replaces "quantity" with "amount", providing a slightly less formal synonym.

the number of

Replaces "quantity" with "number", focusing on countable items.

the volume of

Substitutes "quantity" with "volume", implying a measurable extent or space occupied.

the degree of

Replaces "quantity" with "degree", emphasizing the intensity or level.

the measure of

Employs "measure" to suggest a specific quantifiable amount.

the extent of

Uses "extent" instead of "quantity", suggesting the degree to which something reaches.

the size of

Uses "size" instead of "quantity", referring to physical dimensions or scale.

the magnitude of

Employs "magnitude" to indicate the great size or importance of something.

the proportion of

Substitutes "quantity" with "proportion", indicating a part or share in relation to a whole.

the sum of

Replaces "quantity" with "sum", referring to the total resulting from addition.

FAQs

How do I use "the quantity of" in a sentence?

Use "the quantity of" when you want to specify the amount or number of something. For example, "I am unsure of "the quantity of" ingredients needed for the recipe."

What's the difference between "the quantity of" and "the amount of"?

"The quantity of" generally refers to countable items or precise measurements, while "the amount of" is used for non-countable or abstract things. While interchangeable in some contexts, consider the nature of what you're describing.

When should I use "the number of" instead of "the quantity of"?

Use "the number of" specifically when referring to countable items. "The quantity of" is more general and can apply to both countable and non-countable things.

What are some alternatives to saying "the quantity of"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "the volume of", "the extent of", or simply "the amount of" to express a similar idea.