the sheer quantity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the sheer quantity" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize the large amount or number of something, often in contexts discussing data, resources, or experiences. Example: "The sheer quantity of information available online can be overwhelming for researchers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"The sheer quantity.

The New York Times - Arts

The sheer quantity of voices is unsettling.

The Guardian - Arts

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

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

The New Yorker

And sometimes the sheer quantity of incidents arouses a certain resistance.

The Guardian - Books

Blame has been laid on the sheer quantity of big-budget films released this year.

The Guardian - Opinion

The sheer quantity of potato needed to make up calories also took time to eat.

The Guardian

At Castle Terrace, however, I found myself struggling with the sheer quantity of food.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

How do you comprehend the sheer quantity of things he achieved on an almost daily basis?

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the sheer quantity", consider following it with a consequence or reaction to highlight its impact. For example: "The sheer quantity of data makes analysis challenging."

Common error

Avoid using "the sheer quantity" when a simpler adjective like "large" or "numerous" would suffice. The phrase is most effective when the amount is a central, surprising aspect of the description.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the sheer quantity" functions primarily as a noun phrase. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct. It often acts as the subject or object of a sentence, emphasizing the magnitude of something. Ludwig examples show it introducing a reason for a feeling or consequence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the sheer quantity" is a grammatically correct and commonly used noun phrase that emphasizes the magnitude or extent of something. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and its frequent use across diverse contexts. As Ludwig examples show, it is most effective when used to highlight an amount that is surprisingly large or overwhelming. To enhance your writing, use it to underscore the impact of an amount or to explain a resulting effect. However, avoid overusing it in simple descriptions where a simpler adjective would suffice. Consider similar phrases such as "the vast amount", "the enormous number", or "the sheer volume" for variation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the vast amount

Emphasizes the extensiveness or immensity of something.

the sheer volume

Focuses on the capacity or space occupied.

the enormous quantity

Highlights the great size or number.

the sheer magnitude

Stresses the greatness or importance.

the sheer size

Directly refers to physical dimensions or scope.

the sheer number

Specifies the count rather than the amount.

the considerable quantity

Indicates a noteworthy amount or number.

the substantial quantity

Highlights the significant amount.

the unprecedented quantity

Conveys that the amount is exceptional and has not occurred before.

the inordinate quantity

Emphasizes that the amount is excessive or unreasonable.

FAQs

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

Use "the sheer quantity" to emphasize a large amount of something, as in, "The project was daunting due to "the sheer quantity" of documents to review."

What can I say instead of "the sheer quantity"?

Alternatives include "the vast amount", "the enormous number", or "the sheer volume" depending on the specific context.

Is it redundant to say "sheer quantity of quantity"?

Yes, "sheer quantity of quantity" is redundant. Use "the sheer quantity" alone to convey the emphasis on amount.

What's the difference between "the sheer quantity" and "the mere quantity"?

"The sheer quantity" emphasizes a surprisingly large amount, while "the mere quantity" suggests a surprisingly small or inadequate amount.