a grain of

USAGE SUMMARY

"a grain of" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
This phrase is usually used to indicate a small amount or portion of something. Example: She added a grain of salt to her soup to give it some extra flavor.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A year ago, XVG was worth less than a grain of sand.

Forbes

Both explanations have a grain of truth.

The Economist

The world in a grain of sand.

The New York Times

The legend contains a grain of truth.

The New Yorker

Or a grain of rice.

The Guardian - Books

We didn't spot a grain of it.

The New York Times - Food

There is a grain of truth in this account.

The Guardian - Opinion

Was there a grain of truth in what he said?

The New York Times

Unmagnified, it might have been a grain of sea salt.

The New Yorker

You take everything he says with a grain of salt.

The New York Times - Sports

A bygone world in a grain of true grit.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a grain of" to suggest skepticism, ensure it is followed by "salt". For instance, "take it with a grain of salt" implies not accepting something at face value.

Common error

Avoid using "a grain of" in literal contexts where a more precise measurement is needed. The phrase is generally used figuratively to represent a small amount or a hint of something abstract, not a physical measurement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a grain of" typically functions as a modifier, often within a prepositional phrase. It indicates a small quantity or a small degree of something, as confirmed by Ludwig's extensive examples, such as "a grain of truth" or the idiom "take it with a grain of salt".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Formal & Business

19%

Science

11%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a grain of" is a versatile phrase used to denote a small amount or to express skepticism. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across diverse contexts, predominantly in News & Media. It's crucial to use the phrase appropriately, especially in idiomatic expressions like "take it with a grain of salt", to convey the intended meaning effectively. Alternatives such as "a trace of" or "a hint of" can be used to achieve similar effects depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a trace of

Emphasizes the minimal amount or presence of something.

a hint of

Suggests a subtle or indirect indication of something.

a speck of

Highlights the extremely small size of the quantity.

a modicum of

Implies a small but perhaps sufficient amount.

an iota of

Stresses the very tiny, almost immeasurable quantity.

a fragment of

Focuses on a broken or incomplete part, suggesting smallness.

a shadow of

Highlights an intangible or faint presence.

a glimmer of

Suggests a faint or wavering sign.

a drop of

Emphasizes a liquid-like small amount.

a sliver of

Implies a thin, narrow piece or portion.

FAQs

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

The phrase "a grain of" is often used to mean a tiny amount of something, or to suggest that something should be viewed with skepticism. For example, "There's "a grain of truth" in what he says" or "Take this news with "a grain of salt"".

What does it mean to take something with "a grain of salt"?

To take something with "a grain of salt" means to not fully believe it or to view it with skepticism. It suggests that the information may not be entirely accurate or reliable.

What are some synonyms for "a grain of truth"?

Alternatives to "a grain of truth" include phrases like "a hint of truth", "a trace of truth", or "a semblance of truth". All of these suggest that while the statement may not be completely accurate, there is some element of truth to it.

Is it ever appropriate to use "a grain of" in a non-figurative way?

While "a grain of" is predominantly used figuratively, it can be used literally to refer to a single grain of something, such as "a grain of rice" or "a grain of sand". However, these instances are less common than its figurative usage.