a minor quantity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a minor quantity" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a small amount of something, often in contexts like science, finance, or general descriptions. Example: "The experiment showed that a minor quantity of the substance was effective in producing the desired reaction."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

It is observed that the liquid phase separation tendency of Bi33.3Ga66.7 alloy is weakened by tin but enhanced by indium addition within a minor quantity.

Materials & Design

The formulation of sustained-release oral dosage forms has also benefit from the application of USAC, as a better control of drug release with a minor quantity of excipient could be obtained.

Journal of Drug Delivery Science and Technology

However, γ-alumina alone could merely convert methanol to dimethyl ether with a minor quantity of gaseous hydrocarbons.

Applied Petrochemical Research

However, γ-alumina alone could merely convert methanol to DME with a minor quantity of gaseous hydrocarbon products.

Applied Petrochemical Research

In addition, the amino acid analysis also revealed the presence of a minor quantity of methionine (Met) (0.50-0.98%), histidine (His) (0.81-1.14%), arginine (Arg) (2.38-3.51%), and tyrosine (Tyr) (1.63-2.19%) in the amino acid composition of durian seed gum (Table 5).

Chemistry Central Journal

Chemical analysis of illicit drug revealed that caffeine constitutes greater proportion and opioid like substance a minor quantity.

BMC Infectious Diseases

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

In case of furfuraldehyde (1n) and cinnamaldhyde (1o) the open chain compounds 3n and 3o were obtained in excellent yield where as the corresponding cyclised products 4n and 4o was obtained only in minor quantity along with a mixture of side products.

Chemistry Central Journal

Due to the induced shape-selectivity in ZSM-5 by phosphate modification, para-diethylbenzene (PDEB) was formed as a major product and side products like benzene, meta-diethylbenzene (MDEB) and other isomers were formed in minor quantity.

Chemical Engineering Science

The XRD analysis shows that the scale of the Ti3AlC2-based material with Nb consists mainly of TiO2 and minor quantity of Al2O3 (Fig. 5).

Nanoscale Research Letters

The chemical composition of S. aromaticum essential oil showed the presence of oxygenated monoterpenes with eucalyptol as major component and eugenol in minor quantity.

BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Interestingly, the highest amount of IQGAP1/β-catenin complexes was precipitated from the particulate fraction of EGFP-Rac1(N17 -expressing cells, whereas oN17 -expressingity of β-cellsin whereasrecipitated with IQGAP1 fronlyhe particulate fraction of EGFP-Rac1(V12)-expressing cells.

Cell Communication and Signaling

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing experimental results or data analysis, use "a minor quantity" to accurately represent small, but potentially relevant, amounts of substances or findings. Ensure the context clarifies why the quantity is considered minor.

Common error

Avoid using "a minor quantity" when the small amount has significant impact or consequence. If the small amount drastically alters an outcome, consider phrasing that emphasizes its disproportionate effect, rather than focusing solely on its size.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a minor quantity" functions as a determiner phrase modifying a noun. It specifies the amount or extent of something, indicating that it is present but in a small or insignificant measure. Ludwig's examples show its usage across various contexts, especially in scientific literature.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

85%

Encyclopedias

7%

News & Media

4%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a minor quantity" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, particularly in scientific and academic writing. As Ludwig AI states, it indicates a small or insignificant amount of something. While synonyms like "a small amount" and "a negligible quantity" exist, the choice depends on the specific context and desired emphasis. It's important to use the phrase accurately, avoiding it when the seemingly small amount has a disproportionately large effect. Its prevalence in scientific literature suggests a formal register, emphasizing the need for precise language in technical contexts. The phrase is primarily found in scientific contexts but also appears in encyclopedias and news media, showing its breadth of application.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a small quantity

Direct synonym, emphasizes the limited amount.

a tiny amount

Underscores the diminutive size of the quantity.

a negligible amount

Highlights the insignificance of the amount.

a trace amount

Implies a very small, almost undetectable quantity.

a modicum

Suggests a small but perhaps adequate amount.

a small proportion

Focuses on the amount relative to a whole.

a limited quantity

Emphasizes a constraint on the amount available.

a fractional amount

Implies the amount is only a fraction of something larger.

a sparse quantity

Highlights the lack of abundance.

a smattering

Suggests a scattered and small distribution.

FAQs

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

Use "a minor quantity" to indicate a small or insignificant amount of something, as in, "The chemical analysis revealed "a minor quantity" of contaminants in the water supply".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "a minor quantity"?

You can use alternatives such as "a small amount", "a trace amount", or "a negligible quantity" depending on the degree of insignificance you want to convey.

When is it inappropriate to use the phrase "a minor quantity"?

It's inappropriate when the small amount has a significant impact or effect, even if numerically small. In such cases, emphasize the impact rather than the quantity.

What is the difference between "a minor quantity" and "a small quantity"?

While both refer to small amounts, "a minor quantity" often implies a greater degree of insignificance or less importance than "a small quantity". The choice depends on the specific context and intended emphasis.