Use the word “amount” when describing quantity. Someone wants to know how much or how many there are of something. An amount can be a large of small number.
- What’s the amount of sleep that you need to maintain your health?
- Do you know the amount of water that you drink every day?
- Before buying something, it’s a good idea to know the amount.
- What’s the amount? (What’s the total price?)
- Can you tell me the amount, please?
- Cindy’s apartment has a very small amount of space for storage.
- A large amount of pollution is created by automobile exhaust.
- A certain amount of patience is required when working in a classroom.
A large amount of people show up for
the Minnesota State Fair every year.
The word “amount” can also be used as a verb:
| simple | past | past participle |
|---|---|---|
amount | amounted | amounted |
- What does this amount to? (How much is it?)
- We hope our efforts amount to something. (We hope there is a good result.)
- Todd hasn’t amounted to very much. (His accomplishments in life are few.)
