a little extract

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a little extract" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a small portion or excerpt taken from a larger text or document. Example: "In her essay, she included a little extract from Shakespeare to illustrate her point."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Perhaps you can rot the egg a little, extract some egg, introduce the hydrogen sulfide, and seal it with Epoxy.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Each little extract is a revelation – as often as not, what's revealed is something domestic, even banal, but it feels like a revelation nonetheless.

Independent

Lycopene, the 40-carbon molecule product, was little extracted from recombinant E. coli cells to octane or decane phase.

Journal of Biotechnology

If you want you could add a little coconut extract to the whipped cream for even more coconutty goodness.

Huffington Post

Round out the flavorings with a little almond extract or orange zest, then toss it in the oven.

Los Angeles Times

These bacteria can be grown by themselves, but fed a little algal extract and they secrete cobalamin.

Biology Direct

Rub a little vanilla extract over the sore.

WikiHow

Add a little vanilla extract and cinnamon sugar in the batter.

WikiHow

Like cologne or perfume, a nice "afterthought" is much more pleasant, especially coupled with food: Sprinkle a little vanilla extract, tea tree oil, or essence of lavender, lemon, or even bergamot in a cotton ball and place the cotton ball in a small dish at the back of the fridge.

WikiHow

There was a little copper extracted by pure water and pure medium in the initial pH of 1.2, which indicated that in this process, the role of acid leaching was not significant.

Bioresources and Bioprocessing

While the cake cools, brush the surface with a little more malt extract.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a little extract", ensure the context clearly indicates the source from which the extract is taken. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a little extract" when a more specific term like "excerpt", "portion", or "sample" would provide greater precision. For example, instead of saying "a little extract of vanilla", use "a dash of vanilla extract".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a little extract" primarily functions as a noun phrase, acting as a determiner and noun combination. It modifies a noun, indicating a small quantity or portion of something that has been extracted. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Wiki

30%

Science

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a little extract" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, to indicate a small portion or sample taken from a larger source. Its usage spans various contexts, including news, wikis, and scientific domains. For enhanced clarity, specify the source of the extract and consider more precise alternatives like "excerpt" or "portion" where appropriate. While versatile, being mindful of potential overgeneralization ensures accurate and impactful communication. Common sources mentioning this include The New York Times and The Guardian.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a brief excerpt

Focuses on the shortness and selection of the part.

a small passage

Emphasizes the segment and its limited size.

a tiny portion

Highlights the extremely small quantity of the portion.

a slight selection

Underscores the act of selecting a small amount.

a short segment

Refers to a brief piece or part of something.

a limited sample

Implies a restricted or finite piece.

a mere fraction

Emphasizes the smallness relative to the whole.

a touch of extraction

Emphasizes the act of extracting a small quantity.

a hint of selection

Conveys a subtle or minimal choice.

a small bit

Indicates a diminutive amount or piece.

FAQs

How can I use "a little extract" in a sentence?

You can use "a little extract" to refer to a small portion taken from a larger whole, as in, "She added "a little extract" of vanilla to the cake batter for flavor."

What are some alternatives to "a little extract"?

Alternatives include "a brief excerpt", "a small passage", or "a tiny portion", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "a little extract" or "a small extract"?

Both "a little extract" and "a small extract" are acceptable, but "a little extract" often implies a minimal or subtle amount, while "a small extract" can refer to physical size or quantity.

When is it inappropriate to use "a little extract"?

It may be inappropriate if the context requires a more specific term, such as when referring to a formal quotation, in which case "a brief excerpt" or "a small passage" might be more suitable.