Amount: meaning, definitions and examples

Use 'amount' when referring to a general measure of something that can't be easily counted, typically with uncountable nouns.

• The amount of water in the bottle is insufficient.
• She was surprised by the amount of love and support she received.

This word is suitable when referring to a measurable or countable amount of something, typically with countable nouns.

• The store needs to order a larger quantity of notebooks.
• He only had a small quantity of sugar left.

This word is best used when referring to the complete amount, usually as a result of adding different parts together.

• The total cost of the trip was higher than expected.
• Their total score was very impressive.

Use 'sum' when referring to the total amount of money, or sometimes when talking about the result of adding numbers.

• She received a large sum of money as a gift.
• The sum of 5 and 7 is 12.

This word is typically used when speaking about the amount of space that something occupies, often for liquids or gases.

• The volume of the container is 2 liters.
• Adjust the volume on the radio.

Use this when referring to a quantity of something, especially when it's uncountable or abstract.

• The amount of water in the lake is decreasing
• What is the amount of sugar needed for this recipe?

This word is appropriate for stating the final sum of various numbers or quantities, typically in both general and specific contexts.

• The total cost of the project is $10,000
• Your total savings amount to $500

This phrase is useful when discussing the result of several numbers or items when combined.

• The expenses add up to more than we expected
• All these small costs will add up to a significant amount

Use this in situations where you are calculating the final result or total, often used in financial contexts.

• Your total for the groceries comes to $45
• After adding the tax, the bill comes to $100