A2noun1K

Amount

UK /["/əˈmaʊnt/"]/US /["/əˈmaʊnt/"]/

Definition

a quantity of something

In simple words: The total number or quantity of something.

Examples

  • The amount of sugar in the recipe is too much for my taste.
  • Can you tell me the total amount I owe you?
  • We need to measure the amount of water for the plant.
  • He donated a generous amount to the charity.
  • The amount of traffic on the road was surprising.

Usage notes

Used for uncountable nouns (like water or time) rather than countable nouns (like apples or books). Formal in academic contexts, but generally acceptable in everyday conversation.

Grammar pattern

amount + to/of + object

Memory hint

Think of counting money: you need to know the 'amount' to understand what you have.

Collocations

  • considerable
  • copious amounts
  • enormous
  • double
  • increase
  • decrease
  • double
  • increase
  • decrease
  • amount of

Synonyms

  • quantity
  • total
  • sum
  • measure
  • volume

Antonyms

  • none

Common mistakes

  • Using 'amount' with countable nouns, e.g., saying 'amount of apples' instead of 'number of apples'.
  • Confusing 'amount' with 'number', as they are used for different types of nouns.
  • Incorrectly using 'amount' in questions or negative forms without proper context.