Amounts: meaning, definitions and examples

General, non-specific references to how much of something there is. Often used for uncountable nouns.

• The recipe calls for large amounts of sugar
• We spent significant amounts of money on the renovation

Mathematical or financial contexts, referencing the result of addition or a total amount of money.

• The sum of 5 and 7 is 12
• We need to raise a sum of $10,000 for the project

The complete, overall amount or number, often resulting from addition.

• The total cost of the trip is $500
• The total number of votes was counted last night

Scientific or technical contexts, specifically related to three-dimensional space or capacity.

• The volume of the container is 2 liters
• We need to calculate the volume of the box before shipping

Used when referring to a total sum or quantity of something that is usually uncountable. Often used in general contexts.

• She spent large amounts of money on vacation
• The project required significant amounts of effort

Used when talking about the act of determining the size, amount, or degree of something. It can refer to both counting and non-counting contexts.

• We need a measure of the ingredients before we start cooking
• Accurate measures are necessary for the experiment

Best for situations involving a large collection of items or a substance that cannot be easily counted individually. Often used in scientific or formal contexts.

• The mass of the crowd made it difficult to move
• The mass of the object was measured in kilograms

Appropriate when referring to the amount of space that a substance or object occupies. Often used for liquids and gases.

• The volume of water in the tank is decreasing
• Adjust the volume to fit the container

Use when talking about quantities or measurements, especially in general terms.

• The recipe calls for equal amounts of sugar and flour
• Large amounts of rainfall can cause flooding

Use to refer to the complete amount or sum of something, often after adding several things together.

• The total cost of the project was $500
• After counting all the votes, the total was 1500

Use when referring to the total of something after adding or considering all parts. Often used in financial contexts.

• The bill comes to $50
• After adding up all the expenses, the total comes to $200

Use when talking about achieving a specific amount, level, or goal. Often used in progress or measurement contexts.

• The temperature is expected to reach 30 degrees tomorrow
• His savings reached $10,000 after five years

Use when indicating that two amounts, quantities, or values are the same. Often in mathematical or comparative contexts.

• Two plus two equals four
• Her monthly salary equals what he earns in a week