a slight amount

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a slight amount" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a small quantity or degree of something. Example: "There was a slight amount of rain yesterday, just enough to wet the ground."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A slight amount of stimulation directed toward the senses may further increase the likelihood of hallucination.

Encyclopedia Britannica

I was possibly experiencing a slight amount of panic towards the end of the term.

Independent

"A slight amount of insanity might be a good thing for the practice of lexicography," Martin told me.

The New Yorker

In theory, kabinett wines have a slight amount of sweetness and spatlese wines more, but that's not always so.

The New York Times - Food

Willingham says with a slight amount of steeliness that he does not care "what number I was -- 3 or 5 or 7".

The New York Times - Sports

With a high note, for example, "if any one of the three strings in a note is off a slight amount, it's obvious," Mr. Gilmore said.

The New York Times - Tech

A slight amount ofwater in this cream helpsmoisturizing oils be absorbed.It was "easy tospread" and was effectiveagainst wind and cold, Ms.Wilmott said.

The New York Times

Sgt. J. Paul Vance, a spokesman for the State Police, said on Tuesday that there had been a slight amount of methamphetamine found in the state.

The New York Times

But what is important for the muon is that because W's behave differently in magnetic fields, the brief switcheroo changes the measured wobble frequency by a slight amount.

The New York Times - Science

The magma chamber is currently filling again, and the land surface in Yellowstone is rising or tilting a slight amount each year.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The paleoclimate record, as it is known, suggests that even a slight amount of global warming can produce a rise of 25 to 30 feet.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a slight amount" when you want to indicate a small, but still noticeable, quantity or degree of something. It's suitable when the specific quantity isn't critical but the presence of some amount is.

Common error

In scientific or technical writing, avoid using "a slight amount" when a more precise measurement is possible. Quantify the amount whenever feasible to provide clarity and accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a slight amount" functions as a determiner phrase. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used to modify a noun, indicating a quantity or degree that is small but still present. Its purpose is to quantify something in a non-precise way.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

29%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a slight amount" serves as a common and grammatically sound way to express a small quantity or degree of something. As Ludwig AI validated, it is widely used across various contexts, including news, science, and general writing. While versatile, it's best to avoid it in situations requiring precise measurements, opting for more specific quantifications instead. Consider alternatives like "a small quantity" or "a trace amount" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. The consistent usage and clear meaning, as shown in Ludwig's examples, highlight its effectiveness in everyday language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a small quantity

Replaces 'slight' with 'small', focusing on the quantity aspect.

a trace amount

Suggests an extremely small and barely detectable quantity.

a touch of

Implies a subtle or delicate addition or presence.

a hint of

Similar to 'a touch of', suggesting a subtle and indirect indication.

a modicum of

More formal and emphasizes a limited or moderate quantity.

a fraction of

Emphasizes that the amount is a part of a larger whole.

a limited quantity

Highlights the restriction in the amount available.

a degree of

Focuses on the level or intensity of something rather than a physical quantity.

a negligible amount

Indicates the amount is so small it's practically insignificant.

a minimum amount

Indicates the smallest possible or acceptable quantity.

FAQs

How can I use "a slight amount" in a sentence?

You can use "a slight amount" to describe a small quantity of something. For example, "The recipe calls for "a slight amount" of salt" or "There was "a slight amount" of damage to the car".

What can I say instead of "a slight amount"?

You can use alternatives like "a small quantity", "a trace amount", or "a hint of" depending on the context.

When is it best to use "a slight amount" versus "a small amount"?

"A slight amount" suggests something is barely noticeable, whereas "a small amount" indicates a quantity that is small but easily perceptible. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the subtlety of the quantity.

Is "a slight amount of" grammatically correct?

Yes, "a slight amount of" is grammatically correct and commonly used. It is typically followed by a non-countable noun, like "a slight amount of water" or "a slight amount of effort".