a small amount of

USAGE SUMMARY

'a small amount of' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to signify something that exists in only a tiny quantity. For example, "The store was almost out of tomatoes, but there was still a small amount of them left."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

With perhaps a small amount of prodding.

The New York Times

Just a small amount of "Lancastrian French".

The Guardian

A gravita - a small amount of seriousness?

The Guardian - Books

There are a small amount of workers.

The Guardian

They found a small amount of drugs.

The New York Times

It contains a small amount of aromatic musqué-clone chardonnay.

The New York Times

I'd also done a small amount of research.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The diet includes a small amount of wine with meals.

The Guardian

"We make a small amount of money," she said.

The New York Times - Arts

If pan is dry, add a small amount of oil.

The New York Times - Style

I managed to do a small amount of interrogation myself.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a small amount of", ensure the noun it modifies is non-countable. For countable nouns, use "a small number of" instead.

Common error

Avoid using "a small amount of" with countable nouns. Instead, use "a small number of" when referring to countable items, such as "a small number of books" rather than "a small amount of books".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a small amount of" functions as a determiner phrase, specifically as a quantifier, modifying a non-countable noun. It indicates a limited quantity or degree of something, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Wiki

30%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a small amount of" is a versatile phrase used to denote a limited quantity of something that cannot be counted individually. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across diverse contexts, from news and media to scientific publications and general writing. When writing, remember to pair "a small amount of" with uncountable nouns and use "a small number of" for countable ones. As an alternative, consider options like "a minimal quantity of" or "a slight quantity of" to add nuance to your expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a minimal quantity of

Emphasizes the limited and almost negligible nature of the quantity.

a slight quantity of

Indicates the quantity is barely perceptible or noticeable.

a trace of

Suggests an extremely small, almost undetectable amount.

a touch of

Implies a delicate or subtle presence of something.

a modicum of

Suggests a very modest or limited quantity, often of something abstract.

a trickle of

Suggests a slow and small flow or supply of something.

a fragment of

Indicates a small, broken-off piece or part of something.

a speck of

Implies a tiny, almost invisible particle or amount.

a hint of

Suggests a subtle indication or suggestion, rather than a measurable quantity.

a dash of

Implies a quick and small addition, often used in cooking or figurative senses.

FAQs

What's the difference between "a small amount of" and "a small number of"?

"A small amount of" is used with uncountable nouns (e.g., water, sand), while "a small number of" is used with countable nouns (e.g., apples, books).

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

You can use alternatives like "a minimal quantity of", "a slight quantity of", or "a trace of" depending on the context.

How do I use "a small amount of" in a sentence?

Use "a small amount of" before an uncountable noun to indicate a limited quantity, such as "I added a small amount of sugar to my coffee".

Is it correct to say "a small amount of people"?

No, it is incorrect. "People" is a countable noun, so you should say "a small number of people" instead.