a minuscule amount

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a minuscule amount" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a very small quantity of something, often in contexts where the size or significance of the amount is being emphasized. Example: "The experiment showed that there was a minuscule amount of contamination in the sample, which was barely detectable."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The couple feared losing by a minuscule amount.

The New York Times

"Maybe a little clay, but it's a minuscule amount".

The New York Times

"We're talking about a minuscule amount of food," he said.

The New York Times

According to comScore, OpenStreetMap itself still has a minuscule amount of Web traffic.

The New York Times - Tech

You do lose a minuscule amount of the flesh, which clings to the pith.

The New York Times - Food

"They put out such a minuscule amount of electricity," Mr. Collins said.

The New York Times

And to add insult to injury, the duck had a minuscule amount of sauce.

The New York Times

American officials have been taken aback by what they view as a minuscule amount.

The New York Times

That's a minuscule amount in the total universe of the automobile industry.

The New York Times

"This method produces a minuscule amount of surplus yarn, which is turned into accessories".

The Guardian

On April 16, 1943, he apparently absorbed a minuscule amount of the lysergic acid he was synthesizing through his fingertips.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a minuscule amount" to emphasize the extreme smallness of something, especially when contrasting it with something larger or more significant. It adds a touch of formality and precision.

Common error

Avoid using "a minuscule amount" in very casual conversations. Simpler terms like "a tiny bit" or "a little" may be more appropriate for everyday language.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a minuscule amount" functions as a determiner phrase modifying a noun. It specifies and emphasizes the extremely small quantity of something. Ludwig AI validates this usage, showing its correctness and broad applicability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a minuscule amount" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe something of extremely small quantity. According to Ludwig AI, it's suitable across various contexts, primarily in News & Media and Science. While "a minuscule amount" is widely accepted, remember to balance its use with simpler alternatives like "a tiny amount" in more informal settings. Always consider the specific context to choose the most appropriate and impactful phrasing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a tiny quantity

Focuses on the smallness of the quantity.

an insignificant quantity

Highlights the lack of importance or impact of the quantity.

a negligible quantity

Emphasizes that the quantity is so small it can be disregarded.

a trace amount

Suggests the quantity is barely detectable.

a very small quantity

A more direct and less emphatic way of expressing smallness.

a drop in the bucket

Uses an idiom to illustrate the smallness relative to a larger whole.

an imperceptible amount

Indicates the amount is so small it is difficult to perceive.

an infinitesimal amount

Uses a more formal and scientific term for extremely small.

a grain of sand

Uses a metaphor to describe the minimal quantity.

a scintilla

Suggests a tiny spark or trace of something.

FAQs

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

You can use "a minuscule amount" to describe something that is very small in quantity or degree, for example: "The study found "a minuscule amount" of bacteria in the sample."

What can I say instead of "a minuscule amount"?

You can use alternatives like "a tiny amount", "a negligible amount", or "a trace amount" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "a minuscule amount" or "a minimal amount"?

"A minuscule amount" emphasizes extreme smallness, while "a minimal amount" simply indicates the least possible quantity. The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "a minuscule amount" and "a small amount"?

"A minuscule amount" suggests something is exceptionally tiny, almost to the point of being insignificant. "A small amount" is a more general term for a quantity that is not large but still noticeable.