quantity
B2 (Upper Intermediate)Neutral, used across all registers from formal to informal.
Definition
Meaning
A measurable or countable amount of something.
The property of something that can be measured in size, number, or degree. In philosophy, it can refer to the quantitative aspect of reality, as opposed to quality. In mathematics, it is something that has magnitude and can be represented by a number.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a noun; not typically used as a verb, adjective, or adverb. Often used in contrast with 'quality.' It implies measurability, even if approximate (e.g., a large quantity).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant meaning difference. Spelling is identical. The primary difference lies in pronunciation (see IPA).
Connotations
No notable difference in connotations between dialects.
Frequency
Similar high frequency in both varieties. Possibly more frequent in US business contexts related to wholesale/economics (e.g., 'quantity discount').
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
quantity of + [uncountable noun] (quantity of water)quantities of + [plural/uncountable noun] (quantities of food)[adjective] + quantity (a negligible quantity)in quantity (buying in quantity)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “an unknown quantity”
- “quality over quantity”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in procurement, inventory, and economics (e.g., 'order quantity,' 'economies of scale').
Academic
Common in scientific, mathematical, and economic writing to denote measurable variables.
Everyday
Used when discussing amounts of food, shopping, or general supplies (e.g., 'a huge quantity of rice').
Technical
In physics and chemistry, refers to a property with a numerical value and unit (e.g., physical quantity).
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- Not applicable as a verb in standard usage.
American English
- Not applicable as a verb in standard usage.
adverb
British English
- Not applicable as an adverb.
American English
- Not applicable as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- Not applicable as an adjective. Use 'quantitative'.
- The survey yielded mainly quantity data.
American English
- Not applicable as an adjective. Use 'quantitative'.
- We need a quantity estimate for the order.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- We need a small quantity of milk.
- I bought a large quantity of apples.
- The recipe calls for an exact quantity of flour.
- They export vast quantities of oil.
- It's not the quantity of work that matters, but the quality.
- Police discovered a considerable quantity of illegal goods.
- The new employee remains an unknown quantity; we're unsure of her capabilities.
- The law of diminishing returns applies when you increase the quantity of one input while holding others constant.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'QUANTITY' as the 'QUANT' you need – like the quantity (amount) of 'aunt' (sounds like 'ant') in an ant colony: a huge number!
Conceptual Metaphor
Quantity is size/volume (e.g., 'a mountain of work'), Quantity is number (e.g., 'a flood of applications').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating Russian 'количество' as 'quality' (качество) by mistake due to similar roots.
- Do not confuse with 'number.' Use 'quantity' for uncountables or general amounts, 'number' for countable items.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: 'a large quantity of people' (better: 'a large number of people').
- Incorrect: 'The quantity of the product is good.' (Use 'quality' for inherent worth).
- Incorrect: 'in a big quantity' (correct: 'in large quantities' or 'in bulk').
Practice
Quiz
Which phrase is a common idiom using 'quantity'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Use 'quantity' for things measured in bulk or mass (often uncountable nouns). Use 'number' for countable individual items (plural countable nouns). E.g., 'a large quantity of sand' vs 'a large number of grains of sand.'
No, 'quantity' is not standardly used as a verb. The related verb is 'quantify,' which means to measure or express as a quantity.
It refers to a person or thing whose abilities, nature, or effects are not yet known or predictable.
It is more natural and common to say 'a smaller quantity' or 'less' on its own (e.g., 'use less sugar'). 'Less quantity' is generally considered awkward or incorrect.