a small amount of liquid

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a small amount of liquid" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a quantity of liquid that is not large, often in contexts such as cooking, science, or everyday situations. Example: "Please add a small amount of liquid to the mixture to achieve the desired consistency."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Every hour they got a small amount of liquid nutrition, but no meals.

The Washington Post

At first, add a small amount of liquid to the machine at a time.

The New York Times - Food

Foaming asphalt is generated by injecting a small amount of liquid additive (usually water) to asphalt at a high temperature.

Columbia University

Each gourd holds only a small amount of liquid and is repeatedly refilled with hot water, usually about 10 times.

Britannica

All-purpose flour can also be added to gravy that is already prepared, but should first be made into a paste with a small amount of liquid.

The New York Times - Food

But it is also a superb thickener: whisk it into a small amount of liquid and it creates a rich, creamy consistency.

The New York Times - Food

The particles could be pumped into a shale deposit under pressure to fracture the shale, along with just a small amount of liquid.

MIT Technology Review

The segregation rate is sharply increased when a small amount of liquid is added to granular system.

Chemical Engineering Science

Bring to a simmer, cover partially, and simmer over low heat for one hour, stirring often and adding more cooking water from time to time, so that the greens are always simmering in a small amount of liquid.

The New York Times - Health

A Hampshire police spokesman said: "It appears from police inquiries that Mr Lewis ingested a small amount of liquid in the belief he was drinking a genuine pear drink".

The Guardian

A reaction inside the bot transforms a small amount of liquid fuel (hydrogen peroxide) into a large amount of gas, which flows into the octobot's arms and inflates them like balloons.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a small amount of liquid" in recipes, specify the unit of measurement (e.g., teaspoon, tablespoon) for clarity and precision.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on "a small amount of liquid" without further clarification. Always consider whether a more specific measurement or description would enhance clarity for the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a small amount of liquid" functions as a determiner phrase modifying a noun. It quantifies the noun 'liquid', indicating a limited or reduced quantity. This aligns with the examples provided by Ludwig, where the phrase specifies the volume of liquid in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

27%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a small amount of liquid" is a common and versatile expression used to describe a limited quantity of liquid across various fields. As demonstrated by Ludwig, it appears frequently in news, science, and general-purpose writing. The phrase is grammatically sound and easily understood, making it suitable for diverse audiences. While straightforward, it's important to consider whether more specific measurements would improve clarity depending on the context. The analysis confirms that this phrase is a reliable choice for expressing a limited quantity of liquid in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a tiny quantity of liquid

Emphasizes the extremely small size of the liquid portion.

a dash of liquid

Implies a very quick and small addition of liquid, often in cooking.

a splash of liquid

Suggests a small, often accidental, amount of liquid.

a trickle of liquid

Refers to a very thin, slow flow of liquid.

a drop of liquid

Focuses on a single, discrete unit of liquid.

a modicum of liquid

Uses a more formal and less common word for a small quantity.

a limited quantity of liquid

Highlights that the quantity of liquid is restricted or not abundant.

a negligible amount of liquid

Stresses that the amount of liquid is so small it's almost insignificant.

a trace of liquid

Indicates a very minimal presence of liquid, barely noticeable.

a mere drop of liquid

Emphasizes the insignificance of the liquid amount.

FAQs

How can I use "a small amount of liquid" in a sentence?

You can use "a small amount of liquid" to describe a quantity of liquid that is not large. For example, "Add "a small amount of liquid" to the mixture and stir well".

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

The difference lies in the quantity being described. "A small amount of liquid" refers to a limited quantity, whereas "a large amount of liquid" indicates a substantial quantity.

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

You can use alternatives like "a tiny quantity of liquid", "a dash of liquid", or "a splash of liquid" depending on the specific context.

Is it more appropriate to use "a small amount of liquid" or "a little amount of liquid"?

"A small amount of liquid" is generally preferred over "a little amount of liquid" as it is more grammatically standard and commonly used. While "a little amount" isn't incorrect, it's less idiomatic.