a minute quantity

USAGE SUMMARY

"a minute quantity" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
It usually refers to a very small amount of something, so you might use it in sentences such as "I could only obtain a minute quantity of the rare herb" or "The nuclear fallout from the disaster was detected in a minute quantity."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

At the ventilating touch of air, a minute quantity is released from the blood and exhaled as vapor.

The New Yorker

But some substances are so potent that a minute quantity can bring about vast changes in the body.

The New Yorker

Individually, each chemical, used in a minute quantity, may be harmless, but there's growing concern about the combined effect as they accumulate in our bodies.

The Guardian

After dinner, as if nothing much had occurred, the literary conversation is resumed over a minute quantity of brandy by the fire.

The New York Times - Books

It is shown that, with the addition of even a minute quantity of H2, the mixture explosion limits evolve from being monotonic to the non-monotonic Z-shaped response characteristic of H2/O2 mixtures.

Combustion and Flame

A minute quantity of the dust ended up in a river about a thousand miles east of Alamogordo, where, in early August , 1945 it was taken up into a paper mill that manufactured strawboard for Eastman Kodak.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

It was also observed that by adding minute quantity of a tetraethyl orthosilicate sol into the colloidal suspension, well ordered three-dimensional PS CCs without cracks were obtained.

Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects

No. 15, the metal stick up, contains about a dozen ingredients, two of them in such minute quantity that they defy analysis.

The New Yorker

Again CDP-ethanolamine is produced in minute quantity which is not possible to quantify experimentally.

BMC Systems Biology

Minute quantity of sucrose was present in the pretreated hydrolyzates of BG and RH).

BioMed Research International

The intermediate CDP-choline was produced in minute quantity which was difficult to measure experimentally [ 28, 53].

BMC Systems Biology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a minute quantity", ensure the context clearly establishes what the quantity is small in relation to. For example, "a minute quantity of the chemical can cause a significant reaction."

Common error

Avoid confusing "minute" (very small) with "moment" (a unit of time). Using "a moment quantity" is incorrect; always use "a minute quantity" when referring to a small amount.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a minute quantity" primarily functions as a noun phrase, serving as the subject or object in a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and usable in written English. The examples illustrate its use in describing small amounts in scientific, news and general contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

42%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a minute quantity" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to denote a very small amount of something. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it finds frequent application in scientific, news, and encyclopedic contexts, exhibiting a neutral to slightly formal register. When using the phrase, ensure clarity regarding what the quantity is small relative to, and avoid confusing "minute" with "moment". Alternatives such as "a tiny amount" or "a trace amount" may be suitable depending on the intended emphasis. Therefore, use "a minute quantity" when precision is required to indicate an extremely small amount of substance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a tiny amount

This alternative uses "tiny" instead of "minute" to emphasize the small size of the quantity.

a negligible quantity

This alternative uses "negligible" to highlight that the quantity is so small it's practically insignificant.

a trace amount

This alternative emphasizes that the quantity is barely detectable.

a small fraction

This alternative focuses on the quantity being a small part of a whole.

an infinitesimal amount

This alternative uses "infinitesimal" to suggest an extremely small, almost immeasurable quantity.

a scant amount

This alternative uses "scant" to suggest that the quantity is insufficient or barely adequate.

a modicum

This alternative offers a more sophisticated synonym, also implying a small amount.

a drop in the bucket

This is an idiomatic expression suggesting the quantity is insignificant compared to the whole.

a mere speck

This alternative uses "speck" to describe the tiny size.

a soupçon

Borrowed from French, this implies a very small amount, often used in culinary contexts or to indicate a hint of something.

FAQs

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

You can use "a minute quantity" to describe a very small amount of something, like "A minute quantity of the substance was enough to trigger the reaction."

What are some alternatives to "a minute quantity"?

Alternatives include "a tiny amount", "a negligible quantity", or "a trace amount" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "a minute quantity" or "a small quantity"?

"A minute quantity" implies an extremely small amount, whereas "a small quantity" is more general. The better choice depends on the degree of smallness you want to express.

What's the difference between "a minute quantity" and "a minimum quantity"?

"A minute quantity" refers to a very small amount. "A minimum quantity" refers to the smallest amount required or allowed. The words are related to quantity, but are not interchangeable.