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sabrinak
Joined: 28 Sep 2007
Posts: 146
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 Posted: Sun Jul 26, 2009 5:10 pm Post subject: amount |
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Hello,
I wonder if the phrase "the excess amount of computer games" is grammatically correct.
what I'm unclear is:
- excess or excessive?
- amount? (Should "amount" be with uncountable noun such as water, money...?)
What is the correct answer?
Thank you for your help. |
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dragn
Joined: 17 Feb 2009
Posts: 450
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| Posted: Sun Jul 26, 2009 6:57 pm Post subject: |
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| Quote: |
| - excess or excessive? |
Either one. What do you mean?
It depends on the context. Both words could be correct, but suggest somewhat different meanings.
If you say "the excess amount," you are referring to a specific amount of something that is above and beyond a certain (smaller) amount. For example:
"John has been on a diet for the past month. His goal is 72 kg, and currently he weighs 75 kg. He hopes he can lose the excess amount of weight by the end of summer."
If you say "the excessive amount," you are describing an amount of something that you feel is too big or above and beyond what is needed, desired, or expected. For example:
"I don't want to go cycling in the city during rush hour...the excessive amount of traffic makes it too dangerous."
That is, you're just describing the total amount of traffic, and you're saying there's generally just too much of it during rush hour.
I don't know which one you need here because I don't know the context, but my instinct tells me the context would most likely call for "excessive."
As far as the word amount goes, I say it's wrong. Amount should only be used for singular, uncountable nouns. Number should be used for plural, countable nouns.
It's an amount of stuff, but a number of things.
I hear native speakers violate this rule regularly, but I think it's wrong, sloppy and should not be emulated.
OK, I'm getting down off my soapbox now. 
Hope this helps.
Greg |
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lotus
Joined: 25 Jan 2004
Posts: 862
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| Posted: Mon Jul 27, 2009 2:18 pm Post subject: |
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Hi Sabrinak,
Depending on your intent, I would say:
There are an excessive number of computer games in his computer.
He spends an excessive amount of time playing computer games.
--lotus
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War does not make one great --Yoda |
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