amount

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:

• 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.)

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September 1, 2015