a particle of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a particle of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a small amount or a tiny piece of something, often in scientific or metaphorical contexts. Example: "The scientist discovered a particle of dust that had traveled through space for millions of years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Another flashy A-lister is the photon, which is a particle of light.

BBC

Not a particle of this can be denied.

The New Yorker

What I need is a particle of something true.

The New York Times

For every particle of matter in the universe, there should be a particle of antimatter.

The Guardian

It can pick up a particle of dust in Algeria and put it down in Venezuela.

The New Yorker

A Particle of Dread (Oedipus Variations) is part of City of Culture 2013.

The Guardian

Although Aden was a harbor city, the air held hardly a particle of dampness.

The New Yorker

His confident and peremptory manner shows not a particle of doubt.

The New Yorker

This would correspond to the size of a particle of sand, easily visible and palpable to our unaided senses.

The New Yorker

Is he not a particle of a dead life that has drifted in from the imaginary void?

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The most prominent advocate of a particle theory of light was Isaac Newton.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a particle of" when you want to emphasize the smallness or insignificance of something, whether literally or figuratively. For example, "There wasn't a particle of doubt in her mind."

Common error

While "a particle of" is generally correct, avoid overusing it in very informal contexts. Simpler phrases like "a bit of" or "a piece of" may sound more natural in casual conversation or writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a particle of" functions as a determiner phrase followed by a prepositional phrase. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely usable. It modifies a noun, indicating a small, often insignificant, portion or piece of it. Ludwig examples showcase use across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

34%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a particle of" is a grammatically sound phrase used to denote a small amount or component. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread usability. It is most commonly found in News & Media and scientific contexts, often serving to diminish or emphasize the minute nature of something. While versatile, it's best to consider the context and avoid overuse in highly informal settings, opting for simpler alternatives like "a bit of" if appropriate. Remember that, as numerous examples in Ludwig show, the phrase can refer to both tangible and intangible things.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a trace of

Emphasizes the minimal quantity, often implying difficulty in detection or insignificance.

a fragment of

Highlights the broken or incomplete nature of the element being referred to.

a hint of

Implies a subtle or indirect indication of something.

a shred of

Suggests a very small amount, often used in contexts of hope or evidence.

a touch of

Indicates a slight amount, often used in relation to qualities or emotions.

a speck of

Refers to a tiny spot or mark, emphasizing small size.

an element of

Refers to a component or constituent part of a larger whole.

a grain of

Suggests a tiny, discrete unit, often used metaphorically.

an iota of

Indicates an extremely small quantity, often used in formal contexts.

a modicum of

Suggests a small but adequate amount, often implying scarcity.

FAQs

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

Use "a particle of" to refer to a tiny amount or piece of something, as in "There isn't "a particle of" truth in what he says" or "A particle of dust floated in the sunlight."

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

You can use alternatives like "a trace of", "a hint of", or "a fragment of" depending on the specific context.

Is it more appropriate to say "a particle of" or "some" in formal writing?

"A particle of" often adds a touch of formality and emphasis on smallness compared to the more general term "some". Choose based on the desired tone and the need to highlight minimal quantity.

When is it best to use "a particle of" literally versus figuratively?

Use it literally when referring to actual physical particles. Use it figuratively to emphasize the lack or insignificance of something abstract, such as "not "a particle of" evidence".