what quantity of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "what quantity of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when inquiring about the amount or number of something specific. Example: "What quantity of materials do we need to complete the project?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

With what quantity of meaning should I dose my colleagues?

The Guardian

There are more than 40 varieties all with a unique bar code that tells the machine what quantity of water, temperature, pressure and brewing time is required.

The Guardian - Money

"We actually now have a foreign secretary who said the EU tells us what quantity of bananas we're allowed to buy.

The Guardian

What quantity of dirt is there in the air that the people of New York City breathe?... View Article By Troy Patterson By Andy Borowitz By John Cassidy By Phil Klay.

The New Yorker

What quantity of dirt is there in the air that the people of New York City breathe?... View Article By Alan Burdick By Larissa MacFarquhar By Phil Klay By Charles Bethea.

The New Yorker

His series of portraits of women of mixed descent bore the titles The Mulatress (1924), The Octoroon Girl (1925), and The Quadroon (1927), identifying, as American society did, what quantity of their blood was African.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

National or Europe-wide "test panels" would determine what quantities of flavoring like menthol should be banned, they said.

The New York Times

Skilled chefs, though, are able to vary the taste of a dish by choosing precisely what quantities of individual ingredients go into the pot, and that, more or less, is what epigenetic mechanisms do.

The Economist

You were drunk or high for much of the 1980s; you got sober when you realized that no matter what quantities of drugs and alcohol you consumed they no longer had an effect.

The New York Times

Then Damascus would need to identify exactly which and what quantities of chemicals were stored at which location.

BBC

"You don't know what's in them and what quantities of chemicals are used," says Mark Piper of the toxicology test provider Randox Testing.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair "what quantity of" with units of measurement (e.g., "What quantity of water is needed?") for greater clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "what quantity of" in casual conversations where simpler alternatives like "how much" or "how many" would be more natural. For example, instead of asking "What quantity of sugar do you want in your coffee?" use "How much sugar do you want?".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what quantity of" functions as an interrogative determiner followed by a noun. It introduces a question about the amount or number of something, specifically requesting information on the extent or measure of a particular entity. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "what quantity of" is a grammatically correct interrogative phrase used to inquire about amounts or numbers, especially in formal or technical contexts. While Ludwig confirms its validity, it's essential to consider the register and choose simpler alternatives like "how much" or "how many" for casual settings. Usage patterns show it's commonly found in news media and scientific sources. Remember that while precise, overusing it can make your language sound stilted. Always consider your audience and the tone you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what amount of

Replaces "quantity" with the more general term "amount", suitable for uncountable nouns.

how much

A more concise and commonly used alternative, particularly for uncountable nouns.

what number of

Emphasizes counting individual items, best used with countable nouns.

how many

A more direct way to ask about the count of countable nouns.

what proportion of

Focuses on the relative size or percentage of a whole.

what volume of

Specifically refers to the space occupied by a substance or object.

what measure of

Implies a more precise or standardized way of determining quantity.

to what extent

Shifts the focus to the degree or scope of something, rather than the exact amount.

what level of

Refers to an abstract measure of intensity or degree.

what degree of

Similar to "what level of", but often used in more formal contexts.

FAQs

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

Use "what quantity of" when you need to inquire about a specific amount or number of something, especially in formal or technical contexts. For example, "What quantity of chemicals is required for the experiment?" or "What quantity of items are in stock?"

What's a more common way to say "what quantity of"?

In less formal situations, you can often replace "what quantity of" with simpler alternatives such as "how much" (for uncountable nouns) or "how many" (for countable nouns).

Is "what quantity of" appropriate for everyday conversation?

While grammatically correct, "what quantity of" can sound overly formal in everyday conversation. Consider using more natural alternatives like "what amount of", "how much", or "how many", depending on the noun you're referencing.

When is it best to use "what quantity of" over other options?

Use "what quantity of" in formal writing, scientific reports, or technical instructions where precision and a formal tone are important. It adds a level of specificity that may be desired in professional contexts.