a nugget of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a nugget of" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a small, valuable piece of information or insight. Example: "During the lecture, the professor shared a nugget of wisdom that changed my perspective on the topic."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

But there is a nugget of good news.

The New York Times

Could it, he wonders, be a nugget of lead?

The Guardian - Books

But sometimes even valueless programming yields a nugget of information.

The New York Times - Sports

Add a nugget of cheese and your side dish is ready.

The New York Times - Food

At the core, despite wizardly transformations, is a nugget of something tangible, something gritty.

The New York Times - Arts

Like the best satires, The Guardian's article contained a nugget of truth.

The New York Times

There's a nugget of social criticism at the heart of this plot idea.

The New York Times

He knew how... to pan the stream of history to reveal a nugget of priceless information".

The New York Times - Books

The pill in my pocket disintegrated — nothing was left but a nugget of foil and plastic.

The New Yorker

A painting, a wall text, a nugget of a scholarly catalog, and that's it.

The New York Times - Arts

He even added a nugget of meteorite, giving the sword its name – Thunderbolt Iron.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a nugget of" when you want to emphasize the small size and potential value of a piece of information, advice, or truth. It suggests that even though it's small, it's significant.

Common error

Avoid using "a nugget of" too frequently in your writing. While effective, overuse can make your writing sound cliché. Vary your language with alternatives like "a kernel of" or "a hint of" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a nugget of" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as a determiner phrase modifying another noun. Ludwig AI confirms this by showcasing its use in diverse contexts to introduce valuable, albeit small, pieces of information or qualities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

16%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a nugget of" is a versatile phrase used to emphasize the importance of a small piece of information, wisdom, or truth. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically sound and widely accepted in both formal and informal contexts. While "a nugget of" is prevalent in news and media, its impact can be diluted through overuse. Therefore, writers should consider synonyms such as "a kernel of" or "a grain of" to maintain clarity and engagement. The phrase functions as a noun phrase and maintains a neutral register.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a kernel of

Replaces "nugget" with "kernel", emphasizing the idea of a central, essential part.

a grain of

Uses "grain" to suggest a very small amount, often used for abstract concepts like truth or hope.

a sliver of

Emphasizes the thin, narrow nature of the piece, suitable for concepts like light or evidence.

a fragment of

Highlights the broken or incomplete nature of the piece.

a trace of

Suggests a very faint or subtle presence of something.

an element of

Indicates that something is a component or part of a larger whole.

a hint of

Implies a subtle or indirect suggestion of something.

a speck of

Highlights the tiny size of the piece.

a modicum of

Emphasizes a small but adequate quantity.

a touch of

Indicates a slight or subtle addition of something.

FAQs

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

Use "a nugget of" to describe a small but valuable piece of information, wisdom, or truth. For instance, "The presentation offered "a nugget of insight" into the company's future strategy."

What are some alternatives to "a nugget of"?

You can use alternatives like "a kernel of", "a grain of", or "a hint of" depending on the context. Each alternative provides a slightly different nuance in meaning.

Is it appropriate to use "a nugget of" in formal writing?

Yes, "a nugget of" is suitable for both formal and informal writing. However, be mindful of overuse. In very formal contexts, consider more sophisticated alternatives to maintain a professional tone.

What does "a nugget of" typically refer to?

"A nugget of" generally refers to a small but valuable or essential piece of something intangible, such as information, wisdom, or truth. It implies that even in its small size, it holds significance.