a small bottle of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a small bottle of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing the size and type of a container that holds a liquid or substance. Example: "I bought a small bottle of olive oil for the recipe."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Travel

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A small bottle of olive oil.

The New York Times - Food

"Tonight we open a small bottle of Champagne.

The New York Times

She popped the cork on a small bottle of crianza.

The New York Times - Travel

Drinks are quite pricey though: €3 for a small bottle of beer.

The Guardian - Travel

Later, it turned out that one of the spectators had spilled a small bottle of perfume.

The New Yorker

And standing next to it, did I spy a small bottle of Stop & Shop vanilla extract?

The New York Times

Each carries a small bottle of a different brand of schnapps.

The New York Times - Arts

Items cost between $1.90 and $4.35 per serving; a small bottle of beer is $4.35.

The New York Times - Travel

He accepts a few congratulations, and a small bottle of mineral water from the bartender.

The Guardian

However, on the plane every seat had been provided with a small bottle of water.

The New York Times

So essentially I destroyed a pencil and purchased a small bottle of wine.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a specific item, follow "a small bottle of" with the substance or liquid it contains. For example, "a small bottle of water" or "a small bottle of perfume".

Common error

Avoid using "a small bottle of" when a more specific descriptor is appropriate. If the bottle is a specific type (e.g., a vial, a flask), use that term instead for greater clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a small bottle of" functions as a modifier followed by a prepositional phrase. It describes a noun by indicating the size and type of container. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this is a standard and acceptable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Wiki

25%

Travel

8%

Less common in

Lifestyle

2%

Film

2%

Arts

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a small bottle of" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe a container of reduced size holding a particular substance. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It appears frequently in diverse contexts, including news, travel guides, and wikis, demonstrating its broad applicability. When using this phrase, ensure it's followed by a specific substance to provide context. Consider more specific descriptors if accuracy is paramount, but overall, it is a reliably understood and widely accepted phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a miniature bottle of

Emphasizes the extremely small size of the bottle.

a little bottle of

Uses 'little' as a synonym for small, indicating a reduced size.

a travel-sized bottle of

Specifies that the bottle is small enough for travel purposes, highlighting portability.

a sample bottle of

Indicates the bottle contains a sample or trial amount of the product.

a pocket-sized bottle of

Emphasizes that the bottle is small enough to fit in a pocket.

a nip of

Refers to a small quantity of liquor, often in a small bottle.

a vial of

Refers to a small, typically glass, bottle often used for medicines or chemicals.

a dram of

Refers to a small amount, especially of whiskey or other spirits.

a flask of

Implies a small, often pocket-sized, container for liquids.

a portion of

Describes a limited quantity, not necessarily contained in a bottle.

FAQs

How can I use "a small bottle of" in a sentence?

You can use "a small bottle of" to describe a container holding a liquid or substance, such as "I carry "a small bottle of hand sanitizer" in my bag".

What are some alternatives to "a small bottle of"?

Alternatives include "a miniature bottle of", "a little bottle of", or "a travel-sized bottle of", depending on the specific context.

Is it ever incorrect to use "a small bottle of"?

While generally correct, it might be less precise than more specific terms. For instance, using "a vial of" is more accurate when referring to a small, medical-grade container.

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

"A small bottle of" indicates a container with a lesser volume compared to "a large bottle of", which implies a container with a greater volume.