a minor amount

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a minor amount" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is often used to refer to a small amount of something. For example, "For the project, I only need a minor amount of supplies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"This is not a minor amount of money.

The New York Times

Part of it, he said -- "not a minor amount" -- is Mr. Simon's own money.

The New York Times

In any mode, the car was quiet, with only a minor amount of motor whine.

The New York Times

An inner drum containing a minor amount of radioactive material did not leak and there was no environmental contamination, officials said.

The New York Times

For three days, he and two assistants organized books and amplifiers while their client looked on, offering what Mr. Segal himself described as "a minor amount" of help.

The New York Times

Even if it turns out to be only a minor amount, it's a preventable amount so we really need to address it".

The New York Times

A minor amount of petroleum is associated with Silurian reef structures in the Michigan Basin of the north-central United States.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A minor amount of H2S confirms this compared to SO2.

International Journal of Coal Science & Technology

Today the flood plain provides only a minor amount of sediment.

Geomorphology

A minor amount of accessory tourmaline is present in some samples.

Earth, Planets and Space

Only a minor amount of CS2 accumulated from CT transformation (i.e., 5.2%).

AMB Express

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a minor amount", ensure the context clearly establishes what is being measured, promoting clarity and avoiding ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a minor amount" when the quantity is actually significant relative to the context; doing so can mislead your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a minor amount" functions as a determiner phrase, specifically indicating a small or insignificant quantity of something. Ludwig examples show its use across diverse subjects, describing quantities of money, radioactive material, motor whine and others.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

48%

News & Media

28%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a minor amount" is a versatile phrase used to denote a small or insignificant quantity. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, supported by numerous examples across varied domains such as science, news, and encyclopedias. Its neutral to formal register makes it suitable for diverse writing styles. While widely accepted, clarity in context is crucial to avoid ambiguity. Remember to consider alternatives like "a small quantity" or "a trace amount" depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a small quantity

Focuses specifically on the limited quantity aspect, differing slightly in emphasis from "amount".

a limited quantity

Highlights the restriction or boundary on the amount available.

a trace amount

Emphasizes an extremely small, almost negligible quantity.

a slight degree

Shifts the focus to the intensity or extent of something rather than a measurable quantity.

a touch

Indicates a slight addition or influence.

a modicum

Implies a barely sufficient or very humble amount of something.

a hint

Suggests a subtle indication or presence of something.

a trickle

Suggests a slow and continuous but very small flow or supply.

a smattering

Implies a sparse and uneven distribution of something.

a handful

Refers to a quantity that can be held in one hand, implying a small amount, mainly for countable items.

FAQs

How can I use "a minor amount" in a sentence?

You can use "a minor amount" to describe a small quantity of something. For example, "The recipe calls for only "a minor amount" of salt."

What are some alternatives to saying "a minor amount"?

Alternatives include "a small quantity", "a trace amount", or "a slight degree", depending on the context.

Is it correct to use "a minor amount" in formal writing?

Yes, "a minor amount" is suitable for formal writing as it is grammatically correct and widely understood. The formality depends on the context, but the phrase itself is acceptable.

What's the difference between "a minor amount" and "a significant amount"?

"A minor amount" indicates a small quantity, while "a significant amount" implies a notably large or important quantity. They are antonyms and used in opposite situations.