a minuscule number

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a minuscule number" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a very small quantity or amount of something. Example: "Only a minuscule number of participants completed the survey."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

That is a minuscule number.

The Guardian - Opinion

"It was a minuscule number of people at the time.

The Guardian

That is a minuscule number compared with all the people who flew.

The New York Times

A minuscule number of children on free school meals pass the 11-plus.

The Guardian

It also said it had received a minuscule number of requests for data on businesses.

The New York Times

Only a minuscule number of designers and manufacturers produce innovative high-fashion apparel.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

Dr. Bruce J. Kelman, a toxicologist at GlobalTox, a consulting firm, said: "An extra $32 a year to eliminate an absolutely minuscule number of cancers and deaths?

The New York Times

There are only about 1080 atoms in the entire visible universe, an utterly minuscule number compared with 10500.

The New Yorker

That minuscule number dropped by almost 40percentt after the 9/11 attacks.

The New York Times

In all but the most minuscule number of cases, those pills would have done nothing more harmful than inflict some loss of sleep.

The Guardian - Opinion

In a close election, time spent on issues of concern to every American is time lost in addressing the particular interests of the minuscule number of Americans who will choose the next occupant of the White House.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a minuscule number", ensure the context clearly establishes what the quantity is small in relation to. This provides a clearer understanding of the scale being discussed.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the impact of something when describing it as "a minuscule number". The phrase inherently implies a negligible quantity, so avoid pairing it with statements that suggest significant consequences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a minuscule number" functions as a determiner phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a very small quantity. Ludwig AI confirms that it's grammatically correct. Examples from Ludwig show it used to describe quantities of people, errors, or items.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a minuscule number" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to denote a very small quantity. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability across various contexts. It's most commonly found in news and media, science, and encyclopedic sources. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly indicates what is being quantified and avoid overstating the impact of something described as "a minuscule number". Alternatives such as "a negligible quantity" or "a very small amount" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a negligible quantity

Emphasizes the insignificance or unimportance of the small quantity.

a very small amount

A more direct and less formal way of expressing a small quantity.

a trivial amount

Highlights the lack of importance or consequence of the quantity.

a scant few

Emphasizes the scarcity and insufficiency of the quantity.

an insignificant portion

Focuses on the smallness of the quantity relative to a larger whole.

a derisory quantity

Highlights a sense of inadequacy or ridicule due to the small amount.

a paltry sum

Suggests that the amount is not only small but also contemptible or worthless.

a trifling number

Indicates the quantity is so small as to be almost inconsequential.

a speck

Implies a tiny amount, almost unnoticeable.

a trace amount

Highlights how little of something exists, often used in scientific contexts.

FAQs

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

You can use "a minuscule number" to describe something that is very small in quantity or amount, such as "a minuscule number of errors" or "a minuscule number of people".

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

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

Is it appropriate to use "a minuscule number" in formal writing?

Yes, "a minuscule number" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when emphasizing the smallness of a quantity. However, consider the audience and context; less formal alternatives might be preferable in some situations.

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

"A minuscule number" emphasizes an even smaller quantity than "a small number". "Minuscule" implies that the quantity is so small as to be almost insignificant.