Are you one of those people who get confused between the words ‘amass’ and ‘amound’? Do you find yourself using them interchangeably, not knowing which one is the correct word to use in a given context? If yes, then you have come to the right place. In this article, we will provide you with a detailed explanation of both words and help you understand when to use which one.
We should address the question of which of the two words is the proper word to use. The answer is both, but they have different meanings. ‘Amass’ means to gather or accumulate a large quantity of something, while ‘amound’ is not a word in the English language. Therefore, it is essential to use the correct word to convey the intended meaning accurately.
Now that we have established the difference between the two words, let’s delve deeper into their meanings and usage.
Define Amass
Amass is a verb that means to gather or accumulate a large amount of something over time. It is often used to describe the process of collecting a substantial quantity of objects or resources, such as money, knowledge, or power. The word can also be used to describe the act of assembling a group of people or things in one place.
For example, a business owner may amass a fortune over decades of hard work and strategic investments. A collector may amass a vast collection of rare books or antique furniture. A military commander may amass an army of soldiers and weapons to prepare for battle.
The word amass is derived from the Old French word amasser, which means to gather or accumulate. It has been used in English since the 16th century.
Define Amound
Amound is not a commonly used word in the English language and does not have an established definition. It is possible that it is a misspelling of the word “amount,” which means the total quantity of something. However, without further context or information, it is difficult to determine the intended meaning of the word amound.
It is important to note that using incorrect or made-up words can detract from the clarity and credibility of your writing. It is always best to use established words with clear definitions to ensure that your message is effectively communicated.
How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence
When it comes to choosing between similar words, even the most seasoned writers can get confused. This is especially true when it comes to words like ‘amass’ and ‘amount’. While both words refer to the accumulation of something, they are used in different contexts and have different meanings. In this section, we will explore how to use these words correctly in a sentence.
How To Use ‘Amass’ In A Sentence
The word ‘amass’ refers to the act of gathering or accumulating something, usually in large quantities. It can be used in both positive and negative contexts, depending on the situation. Here are some examples:
- He has amassed a fortune through his successful business ventures.
- The dictator had amassed a large army to crush the rebellion.
- She has been amassing a collection of vintage books over the years.
As you can see, ‘amass’ is used to describe the accumulation of something tangible or intangible, such as wealth, power, or knowledge. It is often used to convey a sense of awe or admiration for the amount of something that has been collected.
How To Use ‘Amount’ In A Sentence
The word ‘amount’, on the other hand, refers to the quantity or total of something. It is used to describe a specific amount of something, rather than the act of collecting it. Here are some examples:
- The amount of rainfall this year has been unusually high.
- The total amount of money raised for the charity was $10,000.
- The amount of time it takes to complete the task varies depending on the complexity.
As you can see, ‘amount’ is used to describe a specific quantity or total of something, such as money, time, or a physical substance. It is often used to convey a sense of precision or accuracy in describing the quantity of something.
By understanding the difference between ‘amass’ and ‘amount’, you can use these words correctly in your writing and avoid common mistakes. Remember, ‘amass’ is used to describe the act of accumulating something, while ‘amount’ is used to describe a specific quantity or total of something.
More Examples Of Amass & Amound Used In Sentences
Here are some more examples of how to use “amass” and “amound” in a sentence:
Examples Of Using “Amass” In A Sentence
- The collector was able to amass a large collection of rare coins.
- Over the years, she was able to amass a fortune through smart investments.
- The company was able to amass a large amount of data on consumer behavior.
- He was able to amass a following of loyal fans through his captivating performances.
- The team was able to amass a lead in the first half of the game.
- She was able to amass a great deal of knowledge on the subject through her research.
- They were able to amass a large army to defend their kingdom.
- He was able to amass a large number of followers on social media through his engaging content.
- The artist was able to amass a large collection of her own work over the years.
- Through hard work and dedication, she was able to amass a large following for her blog.
Examples Of Using “Amound” In A Sentence
- The amount of money he spent on the project was staggering.
- The amount of time it took to complete the task was much longer than expected.
- The amount of energy required to climb the mountain was immense.
- The amount of food she ate at the buffet was impressive.
- The amount of support he received from his friends and family was overwhelming.
- The amount of rainfall in the area was below average for the month.
- The amount of work required to finish the project was daunting.
- The amount of traffic on the highway was heavy during rush hour.
- The amount of resources needed to complete the task was significant.
- The amount of stress she was under during the exam was palpable.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
When it comes to using the words “amass” and “amount,” many people tend to use them interchangeably, which can lead to confusion and incorrect usage. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
1. Using “Amass” Instead Of “Amount”
One common mistake is using “amass” when “amount” should be used. “Amass” means to gather or collect a large quantity of something, while “amount” refers to the quantity of something. For example, it would be incorrect to say “I am amassing a large amount of money,” as “amass” implies the act of collecting, while “amount” would be more appropriate in this context: “I have a large amount of money.”
2. Using “Amount” Instead Of “Amass”
Conversely, using “amount” when “amass” should be used is another common mistake. As mentioned earlier, “amass” refers to the act of collecting or gathering a large quantity of something, while “amount” refers to the quantity itself. For example, it would be incorrect to say “I am amounting a large collection of stamps,” as “amount” does not convey the act of collecting. Instead, “amass” would be more appropriate: “I am amassing a large collection of stamps.”
3. Confusing “Amass” And “Accumulate”
Another common mistake is confusing “amass” with “accumulate.” While these words are similar in meaning, “amass” implies collecting or gathering something quickly, while “accumulate” suggests a slower and more gradual process. For example, it would be more appropriate to say “He accumulated a large fortune over many years,” rather than “He amassed a large fortune over many years.”
Tips To Avoid These Mistakes
- Use “amass” when referring to the act of collecting or gathering a large quantity of something
- Use “amount” when referring to the quantity of something
- Be mindful of the difference between “amass” and “accumulate”
- When in doubt, consult a dictionary or thesaurus to ensure correct usage
Context Matters
When it comes to choosing between the words “amass” and “amount,” context is key. Both words refer to the accumulation of something, but the specific usage can vary depending on the context in which they are used. Understanding the nuances of each word can help you choose the right one for your writing.
Examples Of Different Contexts
Let’s take a look at some examples of different contexts and how the choice between “amass” and “amount” might change:
| Context | Example Sentence | Correct Word Choice |
|---|---|---|
| Money | He has amassed/amounted a fortune over the years. | Amassed |
| Debt | She has amassed/amounted a significant amount of debt. | Amassed |
| Food | We have amassed/amounted a large amount of food for the party. | Amassed |
| Knowledge | He has amassed/amounted a great deal of knowledge over the years. | Amassed |
| Physical Objects | She has amassed/amounted a collection of rare books. | Amassed |
| Quantifiable Items | The company has amassed/amounted a large number of sales this quarter. | Amounted |
As you can see from the examples above, the choice between “amass” and “amount” can depend on the specific context in which they are used. When referring to the accumulation of physical objects, money, debt, knowledge, or other non-quantifiable items, “amass” is typically the correct choice. However, when referring to quantifiable items such as sales, profits, or other measurable quantities, “amount” is generally the better choice.
Exceptions To The Rules
While the rules for using amass and amound are generally straightforward, there are some exceptions where they might not apply. In these cases, it’s important to understand the nuances of the English language in order to use these words correctly.
Exceptions For Amass
One exception for using amass is when referring to a specific type of collection or heap. For example, you might say “I amass a pile of books on my desk” or “She amasses a collection of antique figurines.” In these cases, the word “amass” is used to describe the intentional gathering of a specific type of item.
Another exception for using amass is when referring to a large quantity of something that is not physical. For example, you might say “He amasses a great deal of knowledge about history” or “She amasses a following on social media.” In these cases, the word “amass” is used to describe the accumulation of intangible things.
Exceptions For Amound
There are fewer exceptions for using amound, as it is a less commonly used word in the English language. However, one exception is when referring to a specific amount of money. For example, you might say “The cost of the project amounds to $10,000” or “Her savings amound to a substantial sum.” In these cases, the word “amound” is used to describe a specific, measurable quantity of money.
Another exception for using amound is when referring to a specific, measurable quantity of something that is not physical. For example, you might say “The time spent on the project amounds to 100 hours” or “The number of participants amounds to 50.” In these cases, the word “amound” is used to describe a specific, measurable quantity of something that is not physical.
While the rules for using amass and amound are generally straightforward, there are exceptions where these rules might not apply. By understanding these exceptions and the nuances of the English language, you can use these words correctly and effectively in your writing.
Practice Exercises
One of the best ways to improve your understanding and use of amass and amound is to practice using them in sentences. Here are some exercises to help you do just that:
Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank
Fill in the blank with the correct word:
- The collector was able to __________ a large collection of rare coins over the years.
- The amount of sugar in this recipe seems excessive. Can we __________ it?
- She was able to __________ a fortune through wise investments.
- He had __________ a great deal of knowledge about the subject.
Answer Key:
- amass
- reduce
- amass
- amassed
Exercise 2: Choose The Correct Word
Choose the correct word to complete the sentence:
- The company was able to __________ a large profit this quarter.
- a. amass
- b. amount
- a. amass
- b. amount
- a. amass
- b. amount
Answer Key:
- a
- b
- a
Practice these exercises to improve your understanding and use of amass and amound. With practice, you’ll be able to use these words with confidence and precision.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the difference between amass and amount is crucial to understand in order to use them correctly in written and spoken communication. Amass is a verb that means to gather or accumulate a large quantity of something, while amount is a verb that means to add up to a total or to be equal to something.
It is important to note that amass is often used in a positive context, while amount can be used in both positive and negative contexts. For example, one might amass wealth or knowledge, but a debt might amount to a large sum.
When using these words, it is also important to pay attention to the prepositions that follow them. Amass is often followed by the preposition “of,” while amount is often followed by the preposition “to.”
In order to continue improving your grammar and language use, it is recommended to read and write regularly, as well as to consult reputable sources such as style guides and dictionaries. By doing so, you can become more confident in your language skills and avoid common errors.
Shawn Manaher is the founder and CEO of The Content Authority. He’s one part content manager, one part writing ninja organizer, and two parts leader of top content creators. You don’t even want to know what he calls pancakes.