a millimeter of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a millimeter of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when measuring or describing a very small distance or thickness in a precise manner. Example: "The gap between the two surfaces was only a millimeter of space, making it difficult to insert any tool."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

He said Friday that he came within a millimeter of cutting a nerve.

The New York Times

Without a millimeter of margin, the keyboard just fits in the laptop's 10.9-inch width.

The New York Times - Tech

He has an ability to calibrate within a millimeter of itself what he's doing".

The New York Times - Arts

His impeccably honed technique wastes not a millimeter of motion while producing an amazing accuracy of intonation.

The New York Times - Arts

In comparison, that same radar energy can see through only a millimeter of liquid water on Earth.

Cornell University

Bush, who betrays not a millimeter of doubt about his Iraq strategy, long ago supplanted Bob Dole as the most optimistic man in America.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

If I express something even a millimeter outside of the liberal canon, I am dubbed ignorant, fascist, a Neanderthal and out of touch with reality.

Huffington Post

But you probably weren't carrying an electronic scale accurate to 1/100th of a gram, digital calipers capable of measuring 1/100th of a millimeter and a set of 140-millimeter shearing scissors.

Los Angeles Times

It also caused an elevation in blood pressure that was incredibly slight just a single millimeter of Mercury but that still might be worrisome in a cardiovascular drug.

Forbes

A cubic millimeter of the mammalian neocortex contains nearly a hundred thousand neurons with as many as an hundred million synapses [ 56], whose synaptic strength must be rapidly regulated.

Epigenetics and Chromatin

The answer can sometimes lie in a single millimeter of growth -- that nonchalant designer-stubble look actually takes a lot of hard work to carry off!

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a millimeter of", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being measured. Vague usage can lead to misunderstanding.

Common error

Avoid using "a millimeter of" when a less precise term would suffice. Overusing this phrase can make your writing sound overly technical or pedantic in casual contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a millimeter of" primarily functions as a quantifier modifying a noun, specifying a very small unit of measurement. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

33%

Academia

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a millimeter of" is a grammatically sound phrase used to denote a precise and minute measurement, predominantly found in News & Media, Science, and Academic contexts. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and common usage. When writing, ensure the high level of precision this phrase suggests is truly necessary, and be aware of potential alternatives like "a tiny amount of" or "a fraction of an inch" for less formal situations. Remember to avoid overuse in casual contexts to maintain clarity and avoid sounding overly technical.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a tiny amount of

Focuses on the insignificance of the quantity, not necessarily the precise measurement.

a fraction of an inch

Provides a similar measurement but uses a different unit.

a hair's breadth of

Emphasizes the narrowness and delicacy of the measurement.

a trace of

Indicates a minimal quantity, often used metaphorically.

a slight degree of

Refers to a minimal extent or amount, applicable in various contexts.

a scintilla of

Highlights an extremely small amount of something, often abstract.

an iota of

Similar to 'scintilla,' emphasizing a minute quantity.

a touch of

Implies a subtle or delicate addition or presence of something.

a shade of

Suggests a slight variation or hint of something.

a hint of

Similar to 'a touch of' and 'a shade of,' indicating a subtle presence.

FAQs

How is "a millimeter of" typically used in a sentence?

Typically, "a millimeter of" is used to describe a very small measurement or degree, like in the sentence, "The surgeon managed to avoid the nerve by "a millimeter of" space."

What are some alternatives to "a millimeter of"?

Alternatives include phrases like "a tiny amount of", "a fraction of an inch", or "a hair's breadth of", depending on the context and desired level of precision.

When is it appropriate to use "a millimeter of" in writing?

It's appropriate when you need to convey a very precise and small measurement, particularly in technical, scientific, or medical contexts. In everyday conversation, less specific terms might be more suitable.

How does the precision of "a millimeter of" compare to other units of measure?

A millimeter is a metric unit of length equal to one-thousandth of a meter. Using "a millimeter of" indicates a requirement for high precision relative to larger units like centimeters or inches.