a small content of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a small content of" is not correct in standard written English.
It is typically used incorrectly when referring to a quantity of material or information. Example: "The report contained a small content of relevant data, which was insufficient for our analysis."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

The YCSZ coatings crystallized in mainly tetragonal phase with a small content of monoclinic phase.

Surface and Coatings Technology

A small content of SiO2 favored the formation of secondary phase Lu4Si2O7N2, while large content of SiO2 favored the formation of secondary phase Lu2Si2O7 and Si2N2O.

Journal of Materials Science & Technology

Further investigations by differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray diffraction in Bragg-Brentano configuration, as well as in transmission using synchrotron radiation, evidenced the main crystalline phases in the new alloy, together with a small content of amorphous matrix.

Intermetallics

Incorporation of a small content of undecenoic acid is proposed as an approach to introduce polar groups within the macromolecular architecture of high density polyethylene-based materials in order to promote an easier degradation after their useful service life.

Polymer Degradation and Stability

Modelling studies showed that the abundance of singlet delta oxygen in the CO O2, CO H2O O2 and CO H2 O2 mixtures results in the acceleration of oxidation process and, as a consequence, allows to shorten significantly the induction time and decrease the ignition temperature even at a small content of O2 a1Δg) molecules in normal oxygen.

Combustion and Flame

Half time of crystallization and induction period of crystallization enabled an in-depth analysis of the crystallization process which led to the conclusion that the rates of nucleation and crystallization increased significantly particularly in the case of samples with a small content of carbon black.

Polymer

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Reviewing 29 papers concerning ignition temperatures of wood, Babrauskas (2001) reported that softwoods, compared to hardwoods, have a smaller content of hemicellulose and a higher content of lignin [up to 34% (White 1987)], resulting in higher ignition temperatures.

Botanical Studies

Liana wood may also have a smaller content of fibres, e.g. in comparison with co-occurring sub-shrubs (29%% vs. 49%% of stem cross-sectional area; Crivellaro et al., 2012) or between conspecific lianescent vs. arborescent forms (16%% vs. 63%% in M. floribundum; Angyalossy et al., 2012) as well as an altered wood cell wall structure and chemical composition (Hoffmann et al., 2003).

Annals of Botany

Up to now, creating a nanocomposite structure by introducing a very small content of the metal phase has been considered as a common strategy to enhance hardness and toughness.

Acta Materialia

In the presented experiment, the applied doses of polyphenolic extracts in a diet contribute an equivalent amount of 0.06%% of ellagic acid and a relatively small content of other components, crude protein and carbohydrates, including dietary fibre.

European Journal of Nutrition

The PTW preparation was characterized by a significant content of dietary fibre in the form of soluble fibre (21.95 %) and a relatively small content of polyphenols (5.6 %) (Table  2).

European Journal of Nutrition

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When you intend to express that something is present in a limited quantity, avoid using the phrase "a small content of". Instead, opt for grammatically sound alternatives such as "a small amount of", "a limited quantity of", or other contextually appropriate options.

Common error

Many writers incorrectly use "content" to refer to a quantity. "Content" refers to what is contained within something, not the quantity itself. To specify a small quantity, use "amount" or "quantity".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a small content of" functions incorrectly as a quantifier attempting to specify a limited amount of something. According to Ludwig AI, this is not standard English usage; the proper way to describe quantity is to use "amount" or "quantity".

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a small content of" is not grammatically correct in standard English. According to Ludwig AI, "content" refers to what is contained within something, rather than a measurable quantity. To accurately express a limited quantity, it is best to use alternatives like "a small amount of" or "a limited quantity of". While the intent might be to communicate factual information in a neutral or formal setting, the incorrect grammar undermines the phrase's effectiveness and credibility. Therefore, careful attention to word choice is essential for clear and accurate communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a small amount of

Replaces "content" with "amount", which is grammatically correct and widely accepted for describing quantity.

a limited quantity of

Substitutes "small content" with "limited quantity", providing a more formal and precise way to indicate a restricted amount.

a trace of

Implies a very small, almost undetectable amount, suitable for substances or elements.

a hint of

Suggests a slight or subtle presence of something, often used for flavors or emotions.

a modicum of

Offers a more sophisticated way to describe a small, but perhaps sufficient, amount.

a dash of

Used specifically for adding a small amount of ingredient, often in cooking.

a sprinkle of

Similar to "a dash", but often used for dry ingredients or abstract concepts.

a drop of

Indicates a tiny, liquid-based quantity.

a fraction of

Implies that something is only a small part of a whole

a portion of

Implies a small piece of something

FAQs

What's a more grammatically sound alternative to "a small content of"?

Instead of "a small content of", you can use alternatives like "a small amount of" or "a limited quantity of".

How does the meaning change when using "amount" instead of "content"?

Replacing "content" with "amount" shifts the focus from the substance itself to its quantity. For example, "a small amount of water" refers to the quantity of water, while "the water content" refers to the proportion of water within a substance.

Is "content" ever appropriate when discussing quantity?

Yes, but in a different context. "Content" is appropriate when discussing what something contains (e.g., "the content of the book") or the proportion of a substance within a mixture (e.g., "the fat content of the milk").

When should I use "a trace of" instead of "a small amount of"?

"A trace of" is used when the amount is so minimal it's barely perceptible. "A small amount of" suggests a quantity that is limited but still measurable or noticeable.