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Prepositions with quantity

In quantity or of quantity?

In quantity is used in some formal contexts, but quantities of is much more common. Of quantity alone is not a natural expression.

Quick answer

Which expression is natural?

Use in quantity mainly in formal or technical writing to mean in large amounts. Do not use of quantity alone. More common patterns are quantities of, amount of, and quantity of.

The chemicals were produced in quantity during the summer.
Large quantities of water were stored underground.
The quantity of sugar was reduced.

Choose the pattern by meaning

These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.

1
in quantity

Talking about large-scale amounts

This formal phrase means in large amounts or on a large scale.

The factory can manufacture batteries in quantity.
The crop was exported in quantity after harvest.
2
quantity of + noun

Referring to an amount

Quantity of introduces the thing being measured.

The quantity of waste has increased.
We measured the quantity of fuel remaining.
3
quantities of + plural noun

Talking about many amounts or large volumes

Quantities of is common with plural or uncountable nouns.

Huge quantities of data are processed daily.
The storm dropped large quantities of rain overnight.

See the difference in context

The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.

Construction
Example
Meaning
in quantity
The medicine is produced in quantity.
Formal expression meaning on a large scale.
of quantity
The shipment was of quantity.
Not idiomatic in standard English.
quantity of
The quantity of traffic has increased.
Standard way to talk about an amount.

Common mistakes

Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.

Using of quantity as a complete phrase

English normally uses quantity of instead.

✕ We discussed of quantity at the meeting. ✓ We discussed the quantity of materials at the meeting.

Overusing in quantity in everyday English

In quantity sounds formal. Large amounts of is often more natural in conversation.

✕ We bought apples in quantity for dinner. ✓ We bought a large quantity of apples for dinner.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. The company now produces masks ___ quantity.
2. The quantity ___ water was carefully measured.
3. Large quantities ___ sand were delivered.

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Frequently asked questions

Is in quantity common in conversation?

It is more common in formal, technical, or business writing.

Can I say of quantity?

Not usually. Use quantity of or quantities of instead.

What is the difference between quantity of and quantities of?

Quantity of usually refers to one amount, while quantities of suggests multiple or very large amounts.

"in act" or "of act"? "in agreement" or "of agreement"? "in appearance" or "of appearance"? "in area" or "of area"? in, at, on, of or to hand? "in attempt" or "of attempt"? "in battle" or "of battle"? "in celebration", "of celebration" or "for celebration"? "in chain" or "of chain"? "in chapter" or "of chapter"? "in charge" or "of charge"? "in check" or "of check"?

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