a miniscule number

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'a miniscule number' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize how small a particular quantity is. For example, "There were only a miniscule number of people at the event."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

With support nearing 4% – the threshold required to enter the Swedish parliament – FI could become the first feminist party to enter parliament within an EU country, and one of a miniscule number to do so globally.

The Guardian - Opinion

Talk story about a stockholder who inherited a miniscule number of shares of common stock in 2 companies, and about the "urgent and artful communications" she receives from each of them.

The New Yorker

By Naomi Bliven The New Yorker, March 2 , 1987P. 25 Talk story about a stockholder who inherited a miniscule number of shares of common stock in 2 companies, and about the "urgent and artful communications" she receives from each of them.

The New Yorker

The IBM bits can hold onto a 1 or a 0 for just a few hours, and only at very low temperatures, but Heinrich says it should be possible to increase their stability for operation at more realistic temperatures by using 150 atoms per bit rather than 12 still a miniscule number compared to existing forms of memory.

MIT Technology Review

See Koon, 518 U. S., at 98 ("In 1994, for example, 93.9% of Guidelines cases were not appealed"); Likens, 464 F. 3d, at 827, n. 1 (Bright, J., dissenting) (noting that the District Judge had sentenced hundreds of defendants and that "[w]e have reviewed only a miniscule number of those cases"); cf. United States Sentencing Commission, 2006 Sourcebook of Federal Sentencing Statistics 135 152.

Cornell University

Some 80 workers from all parties told researchers that cash handouts and other gifts influenced a miniscule number of voters.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

We understand the limitations of computational analysis exclusively based on datasets available in public domain and also understand that only a very miniscule number of lncRNAs have been assigned any biological function.

Biology Direct

Yet in those intervening seven-and-a-bit years, that miniscule number has hardly been out of the news – including this week when there was astorysuggesting Natwest might start to charge businesses for keeping their money there, essentially offering negative interest.

Vice

To add to the evidence, every Apple store we called was either completely out of iPhones (both models), or had some miniscule number of 16 GB models left.

TechCrunch

Given the miniscule number of women MPs, it's highly unlikely the body drafting Egypt's next constitution will include anywhere close to 30 women.

Huffington Post

In fact, though, it is a summary of the party's 1964 Convention, when an insurgency seized control of the Republican Party, cheered "extremism in defense of liberty," booed Nelson Rockefeller off the stage, and mistreated the miniscule number of black delegates.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a miniscule number" to emphasize the surprisingly small nature of a quantity, especially when it contrasts with a larger expectation. For example, "Despite the hype, a miniscule number of people attended the conference."

Common error

While acceptable, "a miniscule number" can sound slightly informal. In highly formal writing, consider alternatives like "an insignificant quantity" or "a negligible amount" to maintain a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a miniscule number" functions as a determiner phrase modifying a noun, specifically quantifying it. It indicates that the quantity being referred to is extremely small. Ludwig AI confirms its validity in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

31%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a miniscule number" serves to emphasize the extreme smallness of a quantity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and commonly found in diverse contexts, including news, science, and academia. While alternatives like "a negligible quantity" exist for more formal settings, "a miniscule number" effectively conveys the idea of something surprisingly small. Its frequency and versatility make it a valuable tool for precise communication, especially when aiming to highlight scarcity or insignificance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

next to nothing

Expresses that the amount is practically zero.

a very small quantity

A straightforward and direct alternative.

an insignificant number

Focuses on the lack of importance of the number.

a negligible quantity

Emphasizes the insignificance of the quantity.

a trifling amount

Highlights the unimportance of the amount.

a mere fraction

Indicates that it's a tiny portion of a whole.

a microscopic amount

Draws a parallel with something extremely small.

a drop in the bucket

Highlights the insignificance of the amount in relation to a larger whole.

a paltry sum

Suggests the amount is inadequate or worthless.

a handful

Implies a small, easily countable quantity.

FAQs

How can I use "a miniscule number" in a sentence?

You can use "a miniscule number" to emphasize how small a quantity or amount is. For example, "A miniscule number of participants signed up for the workshop, indicating a lack of interest."

What are some alternatives to saying "a miniscule number"?

You can use alternatives like "a negligible quantity", "an insignificant number", or "a very small quantity" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "a minuscule number" or "a miniscule amount"?

While "a miniscule number" is more common when referring to countable items, "a miniscule amount" is used for uncountable items. Both are grammatically correct and emphasize a very small quantity.

What is the difference between "a small number" and "a miniscule number"?

"A small number" simply indicates a quantity that is not large. "A miniscule number" emphasizes that the quantity is exceptionally small, often surprisingly so.