a minor amount of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'a minor amount of' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a small quantity of something. For example: "I had a minor amount of money left in my bank account."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

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

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

Geomorphology

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

The New York Times

In bench samples H-2 and H-3, a minor amount of fluorine is related to goyazite.

Fuel

It is composed of a complex mixture of hydrocarbon compounds and a minor amount of inorganic compounds.

Journal of King Saud University - Engineering Sciences

Also, the addition of a minor amount of the Na-salt of EAA compatibilized a TLCP high density polyethylene blend.

Polymer

By simultaneously fitting to three different measurements, only a minor amount of the parameter sets showed a good fit.

Surface and Coatings Technology

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

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

Britannica

A minor amount of the Earth's calcite is of magmatic (i.e., igneous) origin; it is the chief constituent of the rare rock called carbonatite.

Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a minor amount of" to downplay the significance of a quantity, especially when precision is not critical. For example, "There was a minor amount of disagreement during the meeting."

Common error

Avoid using "a minor amount of" when the actual quantity is zero or completely negligible. Instead, use phrases like "virtually none" or "almost no".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a minor amount of" functions as a determiner phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a small, often insignificant, quantity. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its use across various domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

52%

News & Media

32%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

11%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a minor amount of" is a versatile phrase used to describe a small quantity, often with the implication that it is insignificant. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across diverse contexts, particularly in science and news media. While similar to "a small amount of", it carries a stronger connotation of insignificance. When writing, be mindful of overstating the insignificance and consider alternatives like "a trace of" or "a slight degree of" for nuanced expression. Remember to choose the most appropriate phrase depending on the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a small quantity of

Emphasizes the limited quantity more directly.

a slight degree of

Focuses on a minimal level or intensity.

a trace of

Implies an extremely small and often barely detectable amount.

a touch of

Suggests a subtle presence or influence.

a modicum of

More formal, suggesting a limited but acceptable amount.

a hint of

Similar to "a touch of", implying a subtle indication.

a sprinkling of

Suitable when referring to something scattered or dispersed lightly.

a dash of

Often used in culinary or metaphorical contexts to mean a small addition.

a smattering of

Indicates a small, uneven distribution.

an insignificant amount of

Highlights the unimportance of the quantity.

FAQs

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

Use "a minor amount of" to indicate a small quantity or degree of something. For example, "The recipe calls for "a minor amount of salt"." or "He showed "a minor amount of remorse" for his actions."

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

You can use alternatives like "a small quantity of", "a slight degree of", or "a trace of" depending on the specific context.

Is it more appropriate to use "a small amount of" or "a minor amount of"?

Both "a small amount of" and "a minor amount of" are correct, but "a minor amount of" often implies that the quantity is not only small but also insignificant or unimportant. "A small amount of" is more neutral.

When should I avoid using "a minor amount of"?

Avoid using "a minor amount of" in situations where precision is required or where the small quantity has significant consequences. In such cases, it's better to use a more specific measurement or description.