a mote of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a mote of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a tiny particle or speck, often in a metaphorical sense to describe something insignificant or small. Example: "In the grand scheme of things, my worries felt like just a mote of dust in the vast universe."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

The Landfill A Search for Finality In a Mote of Dust Diane Horning finds her destiny at a garbage dump.

The New York Times

You must be ready to experience a displeasure that could atomize you, reduce you to an integer of laboring-class nothingness, a mote of dust.

The New York Times

The Earth appears on this picture as the famous "pale blue dot" in a wash of scattered sunlight, a "mote of dust suspended in a sunbeam," as the astronomer and cosmic sage Carl Sagan later described it.

The New York Times - Science

Now, though, a rather excellent category of high-end workout clothing has been designed ("designed" being the operative word) with a more sartorial eye, so wearers can look great instantly, with nary a mote of nasty, sweaty exertion.

The New York Times

Later, as I was barbecuing chicken on the deck grill and watching a mote of sunset sneak through the clouds, I asked Wendy about something that had been on our minds.

The New York Times - Travel

But any band who preface a gig with the cosmic wisdom of Carl Sagan – preaching humbleness on our Earth, "a mote of dust suspended in a sunbeam" – have the right kind of self-awareness.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

"Horse Sings From Cloud," played by Mr. Frasconi with Jim Altieri on violin, translated a maxim about volition into a pulsating mote of meditative focus.

The New York Times - Arts

Inflation predicts that during the Big Bang a tiny mote of space became drastically stretched by fields of energy that are predicted by advanced theories of particle physics.

The New York Times

All of the above came out of the same interview, meaning the ideas mark a single mote of time in Microsoft's strategic arc; things may change.

TechCrunch

His awareness narrows to a single mote of light, the implant diligently recording.

Vice

Let us suppose the following buffer-overflow scenario: The number of neighbours of a mote is greater than the number of frames that the receiving buffer of the CC2420 chip can hold.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a mote of" to add a touch of literary flair when describing something extremely small or insignificant. It's particularly effective in metaphorical contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "a mote of" in casual conversations or informal writing where simpler terms like "a speck of" or "a bit of" would be more appropriate. This phrase works best in more formal or descriptive settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a mote of" typically functions as a determiner phrase that modifies a noun, indicating a small quantity or trace amount. It is often used to emphasize the insignificance or minuteness of something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a mote of" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe something extremely small or insignificant. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and notes its use across diverse sources, predominating in News & Media. While grammatically correct, remember that is better suited for formal contexts or when a touch of literary flair is desired. Ludwig suggests alternatives such as "a speck of" or "a trace of" can be employed for similar meanings. The phrase demonstrates an uncommon frequency of use, suggesting mindful application.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a speck of

Similar in meaning, focusing on a tiny particle or spot.

a particle of

Focuses on a minuscule component or element.

a trace of

Emphasizes a small quantity or indication of something.

an iota of

Stresses an extremely small amount or degree.

a fragment of

Highlights a broken-off or detached piece.

a shred of

Conveys a very small or insufficient amount.

a hint of

Implies a subtle indication or suggestion.

a drop of

Denotes a small quantity of liquid or figuratively, a small amount of something else.

a glimmer of

Suggests a faint or fleeting sign of something.

a shadow of

Emphasizes a vague or insubstantial presence.

FAQs

How can I use "a mote of" in a sentence?

Use "a mote of" to describe something very small or insignificant, often in a metaphorical sense. For example, "His concerns were just "a mote of" dust compared to the larger issues at hand."

What can I say instead of "a mote of"?

You can use alternatives like "a speck of", "a trace of", or "a particle of" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "a mote of dust"?

Yes, "a mote of dust" is a common and correct usage. It often refers to a tiny speck of dust, but can also be used metaphorically to represent something small and insignificant.

What is the difference between "a mote of" and "a bit of"?

"A mote of" generally implies something extremely small and is often used in more formal or literary contexts, while "a bit of" is more general and can refer to a small amount of anything in a wider range of contexts. "A bit of" is also more informal.