a drop of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'a drop of' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use 'a drop of' to describe a very small amount of something, especially a liquid. For example: "I added a drop of honey to my tea for a little sweetness."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Not a drop of ouzo.

The New York Times

Just a drop of purple blood.

The New York Times - Health

Newspapers hardly wasted a drop of ink.

The New York Times

"A drop of rain, h how extraordinary".

The New Yorker

Reality revealed a drop of 10.

The New York Times

Not a drop of Spanish blood.

The New York Times - Food

Tea, now there's a drop of nectar.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I know a drop of Spanish.

The New Yorker

A drop of 0.8percentt is expected.

The New York Times

Analysts expect a drop of 0.1percentt.

The New York Times

A drop of 2percentt is expected.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a drop of" to emphasize a small amount of something, especially liquids, when precision or minimization is important to convey.

Common error

While "a drop of" is widely understood, avoid overusing it in formal writing where more precise or technical language is expected. For example, in scientific reports, specify exact measurements instead of relying on "a drop of".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a drop of" functions primarily as a determiner phrase modifying a noun. It quantifies the noun that follows, indicating a very small amount, typically liquid. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

30%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a drop of" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote a very small amount of something, especially a liquid. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is widespread across various contexts, from news and media to scientific writing. While it is acceptable in many situations, remember that more precise measurements might be preferable in formal or technical writing. When used correctly, "a drop of" effectively emphasizes the minimal quantity or subtly indicates the presence of something. Be mindful of overuse and opt for clearer alternatives when greater precision is needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a bit of

Refers to a small amount, similar to "a drop of", but not exclusively liquid.

a speck of

Emphasizes an extremely small amount, often something solid.

a dash of

Specifically refers to adding a small amount of something, typically in cooking or mixing.

a hint of

Suggests a very slight presence or indication of something.

a trace of

Indicates a minimal amount, often barely detectable.

a smidgen of

An informal way to describe a tiny quantity.

a fraction of

Refers to a small portion of a whole.

a modicum of

Implies a small, but perhaps sufficient, quantity of something abstract.

a decline of

Focuses on the decrease or reduction in something, rather than the quantity itself.

a reduction of

Similar to a decline, emphasizing the act of diminishing.

FAQs

How can I use "a drop of" in a sentence?

You can use "a drop of" to describe a very small quantity of a liquid, like in the sentence, "I added "a drop of vanilla" to the batter."

What are some synonyms for "a drop of"?

Alternatives to "a drop of" include "a bit of", "a speck of", or "a dash of", depending on the context.

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

While generally acceptable, using precise measurements might be more suitable in formal or scientific contexts instead of relying on "a drop of".

What does "a drop of" typically refer to?

"A drop of" typically refers to a very small amount of liquid, but it can also be used metaphorically to indicate a tiny amount of something non-liquid, such as "a drop of compassion".