what quantity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "what quantity" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when inquiring about the amount or number of something. Example: "Could you please specify what quantity of materials you need for the project?"

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

With what quantity of meaning should I dose my colleagues?

The Guardian

So what quantity is Patrick going to produce?

Yale University

What quantity is going to tell us about all that?

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

What should the government buy, from whom, in what quantity and at what price?

The New York Times

But no one knows exactly what quantity or combination of those factors results in a twister.

The New Yorker

It also let you pick the food you like and says what quantity is a portion.

Harvard University

What quantity is it that you've seen from which you can determine everything.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

This shift is a positive indication that the protein is present and in what quantity.

Stanford University

The weather affects consumers' behavior in terms of what products they buy, where they buy them, and in what quantity.

Harvard Business Review

A senior D.E.A. official responded that "what drug to prescribe, what formulation, what quantity" was a doctor's prerogative.

The New York Times - Health

What quantity, if produced by Firm 2, would cause Firm 1 to shut down on this picture?

Yale University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When asking about abstract concepts, use "what quantity" to maintain a formal and precise tone, especially in academic or scientific writing.

Common error

Avoid using "what quantity" when you actually want to know about the characteristics or attributes of something. "Quantity" refers to amount, while "quality" refers to features or degree of excellence. For example, don't ask "what quantity is the customer service?" if you mean to ask "what "quality of" is the customer service?"

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what quantity" functions as an interrogative determiner followed by a noun. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English, typically used to inquire about the amount or number of something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Academia

30%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "what quantity" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase for inquiring about amounts or numbers. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. Its usage spans academic, news, and scientific domains, showcasing its versatility. While it can often be replaced by simpler alternatives like "how much" or "how many" in casual settings, "what quantity" lends a more formal and precise tone, making it especially suitable for technical and professional contexts. Remember to differentiate its meaning from "what quality" to avoid confusion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

how much

Uses simpler vocabulary; focuses on amount.

what amount

More formal synonym; interchangeable in many contexts.

how many

Used for countable items; more common in everyday speech.

to what extent

Focuses on the degree or scope rather than a precise quantity.

what degree

Similar to "to what extent"; emphasizes the level or intensity.

what proportion

Highlights the relative size or ratio of a part to a whole.

what volume

Specifically refers to the amount of space occupied.

what number

Directly asks for a numerical value.

what size

Indicates physical dimensions or magnitude.

what measure

Asks for a specific unit or standard of measurement.

FAQs

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

Use "what quantity" to inquire about the amount or number of something, particularly when seeking precise information. For example, "What quantity of the substance is required for the experiment?" or "What quantity of tickets are available for the event?"

What's a more casual way to ask "what quantity"?

In informal contexts, you can use phrases like "how much" or "how many" instead of "what quantity". The choice depends on whether you are referring to something measurable or countable, respectively.

Which is correct, "what quantity" or "what amount"?

Both "what quantity" and "what amount" are grammatically correct and often interchangeable. However, "what quantity" tends to be more formal and precise, suitable for technical or scientific contexts.

When should I use "what quantity" versus "what quality"?

Use "what quantity" when you want to know the amount or number of something. Use "what quality" when you want to know about the characteristics, attributes, or degree of excellence of something. For example, "What quantity of water is needed?" versus "What quality of water is needed?"