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Anonymous Posted 14 years ago
Grammar

The amount of (countable or uncountable or both)?

Hi,

Can you use "the amount of something" for countable noun?

For example, "the amount of teaching materials"

Or do you have to use uncountable noun only?

"The amount of water"?

Thank you.
  

Top answer

Yes, just uncountables sound good with 'amount'.

— Mister Micawber

  • Yes, just uncountables sound good with 'amount'.
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5 Answers
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Yes, just uncountables sound good with 'amount'.
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the amount of crops that are gathered

Merriam webster says the above.

Is this an exception or a mistake on their part?
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Of course it's not a mistake. The writer is thinking in quantity, not variety. It is not a good example of 'amount of', though.
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So if it is some quality, it is ok to use "amount"?

Like the amount of raw materials?

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In your example amount is fine although the sentence needs finishing. Like the amount of materials required.

Generally, amount (particular with large) is used with uncountables and we would use number with plurals.
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