unreasonable amount

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unreasonable amount" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe a quantity that is excessive or not justifiable in a given context. For example, "The project required an unreasonable amount of time to complete." Alternative expressions include "excessive amount" and "disproportionate amount."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

That's simply an unreasonable amount of television to be expected to watch.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

They've got an unreasonable amount of work to do, given the number of hours allocated.

The Guardian

"No one in my apartment is making an unreasonable amount of noise".

The New Yorker

"I told them I thought it was an unreasonable amount," said Jonathan Davis, Ryan's father.

The New York Times - Health

"True, but maybe you might be making an unreasonable amount of silence".

The New Yorker

If this would take an unreasonable amount of time then you could consider bankruptcy.

Independent

Is this why I spend such an unreasonable amount of time staring out the window?

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

As part of the settlement, it agreed to be barred from making false representations about amounts owed by homeowners, from charging fees for services that were not authorized by loan agreements and from charging unreasonable amounts for work.

The New York Times

"Without access to the necessary financial support, students are forced to turn to commercial debt, take on unreasonable amounts of part-time work, or even drop out of education altogether.

The Guardian

"In some cases, families are demanding very unreasonable amounts of money for financial compensation in order to pardon the convict and this is not a culture that should become the norm.

The Guardian

These coaches are expected to be away from home for unreasonable amounts of time and eventually something has to give.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "unreasonable amount", ensure the context clearly defines what is considered reasonable in that situation. This adds clarity and strengthens your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "unreasonable amount" as a vague complaint. Always provide specific details or comparisons to justify why the amount is unreasonable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unreasonable amount" functions primarily as an adjectival modifier followed by a noun. It describes a quantity or degree that exceeds what is considered fair, acceptable, or logical. Ludwig examples show the phrase modifying nouns like "work", "time", "noise", and "money".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Science

18%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "unreasonable amount" is a commonly used phrase that functions as an adjectival modifier to express that a quantity or degree is excessive and unjustified. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically sound and frequently appears in news and media, as well as scientific contexts. To enhance clarity in your writing, always provide specific details when using the phrase and make reference to alternatives like "excessive quantity" or "disproportionate measure" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

excessive quantity

Focuses on the quantity being beyond what is acceptable or normal.

disproportionate measure

Highlights the lack of balance or fairness in the amount.

inordinate quantity

Emphasizes the excessiveness and lack of control.

undue measure

Stresses that the amount is inappropriate or unwarranted.

exorbitant sum

Specifically refers to a monetary amount that is excessively high.

outrageous quantity

Implies the amount is shocking or offensive.

gratuitous amount

Suggests the amount is unnecessary or uncalled for.

unjustifiable quantity

Focuses on the lack of a valid reason for the amount.

preposterous quantity

Implies the amount is absurd or ridiculous.

unconscionable amount

Emphasizes the amount is morally unacceptable or shocking.

FAQs

How can I use "unreasonable amount" in a sentence?

You can use "unreasonable amount" to describe something that is excessive or unjustified, as in "The company demanded an "unreasonable amount" of overtime from its employees".

What are some alternatives to "unreasonable amount"?

You can use alternatives like "excessive quantity", "disproportionate measure", or "inordinate quantity" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "unreasonable amount" or "unreasonable quantity"?

Both "unreasonable amount" and "unreasonable quantity" are correct. The choice depends on the specific noun you are modifying. "Amount" is generally used for uncountable nouns, while "quantity" can be used for both countable and uncountable nouns.

What's the difference between "unreasonable amount" and "absurd amount"?

While both phrases indicate excessiveness, "unreasonable amount" suggests a lack of justification, while "absurd amount" implies something is illogical or ridiculous in its excess.