Words / A2

KWONT-uh-tee/ˈkwɒntəti/

Quantity is an amount you can measure or count: a large quantity, in small quantities, the quantity of sugar. Quality (how good it is) is a different word — easy mix-up. Amount is a close cousin, often for uncountable things. Number is usual with countable things (a number of tickets). Uncountable in many uses (not “quantities” unless you mean several amounts). Do not write quality when you mean quantity.

Meaning

An amount of something that you can measure or count.

Examples

• “The recipe tells you the quantity of flour to use.”
• “Check the quantity on the packet before you buy it.”
• “They ordered a large quantity of bottled water.”

Good to know

a large / small quantity. Contrast: quality (how good). Cousins: amount, number.

Near in meaning

amount

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