unspecified quantity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unspecified quantity" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to an amount or number that is not clearly defined or stated. Example: "The recipe calls for an unspecified quantity of salt, so add it to taste."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Mr. Huffer is accused of selling an unspecified quantity of marijuana from his sign shop in Oyster Bay and from his Locust Valley home.

The New York Times

Committed to converting entire range to Rspo by 2015 *POOR Tesco: Bought unspecified quantity of GreenPalm certificates for in-store bakery and a few other products.

Independent

The group, which has twice secretly destroyed an unspecified quantity of arms in front of international monitors, said it would discuss a "third act of putting arms beyond use".

The New York Times

Sold in fancy-looking wine bottles, priced at forty-five dollars each, the juice — a supersweet, brownish-purple concoction, contains an unspecified quantity of freeze-dried açaí pulp, along with eighteen other juice concentrates.

The New Yorker

In a previously unpublicised letter to MPs last year, Mr Cable acknowledged that his officials had authorised the export of an unspecified quantity of the chemicals in the knowledge that they were listed on an international schedule of chemical weapon precursors.

Independent

The additional episode order from TLC includes Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas "HOLLAday" specials and an unspecified quantity of new episodes.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

The gunman also stole unspecified quantities of two other medications, promethazine and cheratussin, found in a popular recreational drug beverage called Purple Drank, the official said.

The New York Times

While we can say that our tests indicated a connection between certain morphological features and a type of cognitive skill, we cannot be certain that this connection would have the same level of importance if these other unspecified quantities had been included.

BMC Psychiatry

Viète introduced the concept of algebraic variable, which he denoted using a capital vowel (A, E, I, O, U), as well as the concept of parameter (an unspecified constant quantity), denoted by a capital consonant (B, C, D, and so on).

Encyclopedia Britannica

We temporarily leave these quantities unspecified.

eLife

The report contained what it said was intelligence information that Iraq was trying to acquire significant quantities of uranium from unspecified countries in Africa, despite having no civilian nuclear program, and had extended the range of its ballistic missiles as part of a plan to dominate the region.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "unspecified quantity", ensure the lack of specific detail is intentional and doesn't create confusion for the reader. If precision is necessary, strive to determine the exact amount or provide a reasonable estimate.

Common error

Avoid using "unspecified quantity" when the exact amount can be easily determined or estimated. Overusing vague terms can undermine your credibility and make your writing seem less informed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unspecified quantity" functions as a noun phrase where "unspecified" modifies the noun "quantity". Ludwig confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

31%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "unspecified quantity" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase, as affirmed by Ludwig, used to denote an amount or number that is not precisely defined. It commonly appears in news, scientific, and wiki contexts, indicating a neutral to professional register. When using this phrase, ensure the lack of specificity is intentional and doesn't lead to ambiguity. Consider alternatives like "unknown quantity" or "undefined amount" for nuanced variations. Understanding its function and context ensures effective and clear communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

undefined amount

Replaces "unspecified" with "undefined", emphasizing the lack of a set definition.

unknown quantity

Substitutes "unspecified" with "unknown", highlighting that the amount is not known.

undetermined amount

Uses "undetermined" instead of "unspecified", stressing that the amount has not been decided or established.

imprecise quantity

Replaces "unspecified" with "imprecise", indicating a lack of exactness in the amount.

vague amount

Uses "vague" instead of "unspecified", suggesting a lack of clarity or detail.

certain unstated amount

Emphasizes that the amount is not explicitly stated.

unstipulated quantity

Replaces "unspecified" with "unstipulated", meaning not explicitly agreed upon or detailed.

unspecified number

Focuses specifically on instances where the quantity refers to a count rather than a continuous amount.

approximate quantity

Indicates that the amount is estimated rather than precisely known.

unnamed quantity

Indicates that no name is given to the quantity.

FAQs

How can I use "unspecified quantity" in a sentence?

You can use "unspecified quantity" to indicate that a particular amount or number is not precisely known or defined. For example: "The recipe requires an unspecified quantity of herbs." or "The contract covered an unspecified quantity of goods."

What does "unspecified quantity" mean?

The term "unspecified quantity" refers to an amount or number that is not clearly stated or known. It implies a lack of precise detail regarding the exact measure.

What are some alternatives to "unspecified quantity"?

Alternatives include "unknown quantity", "undefined amount", or "imprecise quantity". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "unspecified quantity" or "specific quantity"?

It depends on the context. Use "unspecified quantity" when the amount is intentionally or necessarily vague. Use "specific quantity" when you want to emphasize that the amount is known and precise.