a drop of ink

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a drop of ink" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a small amount of ink, typically in a metaphorical context. For example, you could say: "A single drop of ink can make a powerful statement on a blank page."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Newspapers hardly wasted a drop of ink.

The New York Times

The greatest television drama of the past decade was written without a drop of ink from a screenwriter's pen.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

My publishers tell me absolutely nobody sends in a manuscript like mine - perfectly typed and set out with not a drop of ink on it.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

A small spark could be induced across the electrodes to ignite the hydrogen bubbles and spit out a drop of ink, but the process was nowhere near fast enough.

The Economist

When a dense cloud gradually spreads out, much like a drop of ink in a beaker of water, this diffusive motion is the consequence of random, independent wandering by each particle.

Encyclopedia Britannica

And even as Mr. Chan labors to bind Guangzhou together with an underground web of steel, the city is spreading out rapidly above ground, like a drop of ink on a paper towel.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

All three patterns in Ink, a line of wallpaper by Abbott Miller, began with a drop of India ink on white paper.

The New York Times

The obvious analogy is this: If you put a drop of blue ink into a large bottle of water, the water may be slightly tinted but the blue itself will disappear entirely.

The Economist

VARIETY PUZZLE — Today's quote by short story author Alice Munro is a lovely and evocative sentiment: the idea that HATE is infectious and spreads through the soul like A DROP OF BLACK INK IN MILK.

The New York Times

Chromatography was developed from the discovery by 19th-century scientists that a drop of diluted ink on a blotter spreads out into concentric rings of different colors, representing the component pigments.

The New York Times - Science

A drop of diluted ink on a clear plastic sheet is placed over a speaker close enough so that the sound waves make the plastic vibrate and the ink disperse.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "a drop of ink" to represent a small amount that can have a significant impact, whether literally or figuratively. For instance, "A single drop of ink can ruin a pristine white shirt".

Common error

Avoid using "a drop of ink" in situations where a more specific or vivid description would be more impactful. Over-reliance on this phrase can make your writing sound unoriginal and bland. Instead, consider describing the specific effect or appearance of the ink.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a drop of ink" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often used as a subject or object within a sentence. As Ludwig AI indicates, it can refer to a literal amount of ink or be used metaphorically to represent something small but impactful.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a drop of ink" is a grammatically sound and usable expression that serves to represent a small quantity of ink, frequently used metaphorically to denote a subtle yet influential factor. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and provides examples across various contexts. While the phrase is not exceptionally common, it appears most frequently in news, encyclopedic, and scientific publications. It is important to avoid overusing this phrase or relying on it as a cliché, and instead to consider more vivid descriptions when appropriate. Remember that even "a drop of ink" can carry significant weight in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a trace of ink

Replaces 'drop' with 'trace', emphasizing a minimal amount or residue.

a speck of ink

Uses 'speck' instead of 'drop', suggesting an even smaller, almost invisible quantity.

a dash of ink

Substitutes 'drop' with 'dash', implying a small amount added for effect.

a spot of ink

Replaces 'drop' with 'spot', referring to a small, localized mark or stain.

a tinge of ink

Uses 'tinge' instead of 'drop', suggesting a slight coloring or influence.

a smidgen of ink

Replaces 'drop' with 'smidgen', conveying a very small, almost negligible amount.

a hint of ink

Substitutes 'drop' with 'hint', suggesting a subtle presence or indication.

a touch of ink

Replaces 'drop' with 'touch', implying a slight or delicate application.

a fragment of ink

Substitutes 'drop' with 'fragment', referring to a small, broken piece or part.

a dribble of ink

Replaces 'drop' with 'dribble', suggesting a small, trickling amount.

FAQs

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

You can use "a drop of ink" to describe a small amount of ink, often metaphorically, to suggest a subtle but significant impact. For example, "His words added "a drop of poison" to the conversation.

What are some alternatives to "a drop of ink"?

Alternatives include "a trace of ink", "a speck of ink", or "a dash of ink" depending on the context and the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "a drop of ink"?

It is appropriate to use "a drop of ink" when you want to emphasize the small quantity of ink, but also its potential impact or influence. It's particularly effective in descriptive or metaphorical contexts.

Is there a difference between "a drop of ink" and "a spot of ink"?

While both refer to small amounts of ink, "a drop of ink" often suggests a liquid form or a potential for spreading, while "a spot of ink" implies a more contained and localized mark. The choice depends on the specific visual or conceptual image you want to create.