a drop in the bucket

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a drop in the bucket" is correct and can be used in written English.
This phrase is used to describe something that is barely noticeable in comparison to a larger and more significant quantity. For example, "The amount of money I earned this week is a drop in the bucket compared to what I still owe in student loans."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

But that's a drop in the bucket compared to past year-over-year increases.

TechCrunch

A drop in the bucket.

The New Yorker

It's a drop in the bucket".

The New York Times

Instead, it's a drop in the bucket.

Yale University

"It's just a drop in the bucket.

The New Yorker

"It's only a drop in the bucket".

The New York Times

Isn't it a drop in the bucket?

Harvard Business Review

"That was just a drop in the bucket," Rooney said.

The New York Times

"In itself, it's a drop in the bucket.

The New York Times

That comes to $1.3 million, a drop in the bucket.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

"This is a drop in the bucket in terms of privacy," he adds.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a drop in the bucket" to effectively illustrate that a particular amount or effort is insignificant compared to the overall need or scale of a problem. This idiomatic expression adds emphasis and clarity to your message.

Common error

Avoid using "a drop in the bucket" when the quantity is actually meaningful in its specific context, even if it seems small on a larger scale. Ensure that it truly represents something insignificant to maintain the phrase's correct impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a drop in the bucket" functions as an idiomatic expression used to qualify a quantity or contribution as insignificant relative to a larger need or amount. Ludwig's examples show that it commonly emphasizes the inadequacy of something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The idiom "a drop in the bucket" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe something insignificant compared to a larger whole. Ludwig's analysis, supported by numerous examples from authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, indicates that it functions to emphasize the inadequacy of a quantity or effort, often expressing frustration or resignation. It's versatile enough for neutral and professional contexts, though it's important to use it accurately to maintain its intended impact. The expression is most frequently used in news and media, followed by academia, reflecting its broad applicability in describing disparities and relative scales.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a drop in the ocean

Very similar idiomatic expression conveying a sense of insignificance.

an insignificant amount

Highlights the lack of importance or impact due to the small quantity.

a negligible quantity

Stresses that the amount is so small it can be disregarded.

a tiny portion

Emphasizes the small size or amount of something.

a mere fraction

Focuses on the proportional aspect of being a very small part.

a speck of dust

Uses the image of a speck of dust to illustrate extreme insignificance.

a grain of sand in the desert

Uses a vivid image to represent extreme smallness in a vast setting.

a small contribution

Highlights the limited impact or influence of something.

hardly anything

Directly states that the quantity is very close to zero.

a paltry sum

Emphasizes the inadequacy or meagerness of an amount of money.

FAQs

What does the expression "a drop in the bucket" mean?

The idiom "a drop in the bucket" refers to something so small that it makes little or no noticeable difference to a larger situation. It's used to describe something insignificant in quantity or effect.

How can I use "a drop in the bucket" in a sentence?

You can use "a drop in the bucket" when you want to emphasize that something is a very small and inadequate portion of something much larger. For example, "The money raised for the charity was "a drop in the bucket" compared to the total amount needed."

What are some similar phrases to "a drop in the bucket"?

Similar phrases include "a drop in the ocean", an insignificant amount, or a negligible quantity. These all convey the idea that something is too small to have a real impact.

Is it appropriate to use "a drop in the bucket" in formal writing?

Yes, "a drop in the bucket" can be used in formal writing, but it's important to consider the tone and audience. While generally acceptable, in some contexts, more precise or technical language may be preferable, but in general it's considered ok by Ludwig.