a slight amount of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a slight amount of" 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 confusion during the meeting, but we managed to clarify everything."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

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

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

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

It allows the finger to flex and extend, to swing toward or away from its neighbouring finger, and to swing forward with a slight amount of rotation.

Encyclopedia Britannica

If there is a slight amount of undercutting, its purpose is to give emphasis, by means of cast shadow, to a contour rather than to give any impression that the forms are independent of their background.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A slight amount of glacial acetic acid solution containing CuNWs was diluted by 500-ml deionized water.

Nanoscale Research Letters

In Fig. 1, the MG-YAlB14 sample was observed to have a slight amount of a secondary phase of Al2O3.

Materials for Renewable and Sustainable Energy

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing scientific results, use "a slight amount of" to indicate a small but potentially significant quantity of a substance or effect.

Common error

Avoid using "a slight amount of" when the quantity is negligible or insignificant. Choose a more appropriate phrase, such as "trace amounts" or "undetectable levels", if necessary.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a slight amount of" functions as a determiner phrase that modifies a noun, indicating a small quantity or degree. It is used to specify that something exists in a limited, often barely noticeable, quantity. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

27%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a slight amount of" is a versatile phrase used to describe a small quantity or degree of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely accepted. The phrase sees frequent use in science, news, and general writing, appearing in sources such as The New York Times and Wikipedia. When using this phrase, remember that it implies a quantity that is small but still noticeable. Alternatives include "a touch of" or "a hint of", depending on the desired nuance. Avoiding overstatement is key; ensure the quantity is truly minimal before using this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a small quantity of

Emphasizes the limited quantity of something.

a touch of

Suggests a subtle presence or influence.

a trace of

Implies an extremely small or barely perceptible amount.

a hint of

Similar to "a touch of", but perhaps even less pronounced.

a dash of

Commonly used for adding a small amount of something to food or drink.

a modicum of

More formal, suggesting a limited but acceptable amount.

a trickle of

Implies a slow and continuous flow in small quantity.

a smattering of

Suggests a scattering or sprinkling of something.

a fragment of

Indicates a small, broken-off piece or portion.

a shadow of

Suggests something is present but weakened or reduced.

FAQs

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

You can use "a slight amount of" to describe a small quantity or degree of something, for example: "The recipe calls for "a slight amount of salt" to enhance the flavor."

What are some alternatives to "a slight amount of"?

Alternatives include "a small quantity of", "a touch of", or "a hint of", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "a small amount of" and "a slight amount of"?

While similar, "a slight amount of" often implies something is barely perceptible or noticeable, whereas "a small amount of" simply indicates a limited quantity.

When is it inappropriate to use "a slight amount of"?

It is inappropriate to use "a slight amount of" when referring to something abundant or substantial. In such cases, phrases like "a large quantity of" or "a significant amount of" would be more suitable.