a small drop

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a small drop" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a minor amount of liquid or a slight decrease in something, such as temperature or quantity. Example: "After the rain, there was just a small drop of water left on the leaf."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In 2008, they anticipated a small drop.

The New York Times

Analysts had expected a small drop.

The New York Times

It is not a small drop in some cases.

The New York Times - Sports

This year has seen a small drop in murders.

The Economist

A small drop in energy costs offset slightly higher food prices.

The New York Times

Wall Street analysts had expected a small drop, according to a survey by Thomson Reuters.

The New York Times

It marks a small drop from last year when 118 killings and 17 accidents were recorded.

The Guardian

Production of consumer goods was flat after a small drop in March.

The New York Times

Excluding energy, the inflation rate was only 1.4percentt, a small drop from February.

The New York Times

Just a small drop in intensity can make a big difference.

The Guardian

A small drop of water trickled from the crumbling concrete wall down to the floor.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a small drop" to describe a quantity, ensure the adjective accurately reflects the significance. Consider if "tiny", "negligible", or another modifier might be more appropriate to convey the precise level of impact.

Common error

Avoid using "a small drop" when the actual decrease or amount is significant or impactful. Overusing the term can downplay important changes or quantities, misleading the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a small drop" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where "small" is an adjective modifying the noun "drop". It quantifies the noun, indicating a diminutive amount. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use in various contexts, often describing a minor decrease or a tiny quantity of liquid.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

27%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Social Media

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a small drop" is a versatile and commonly used noun phrase that signifies a minimal amount or a slight decrease. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread applicability across various registers, including news, scientific writing, and general usage. While the phrase is generally neutral, careful consideration of the context is crucial to ensure the adjective "small" accurately reflects the scale being described. Alternatives such as "a slight decrease" or "a tiny amount" may be more suitable depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a slight decrease

Emphasizes the reduction aspect, focusing on the action of diminishing in size or intensity.

a minor reduction

Highlights the reduction as being small or insignificant.

a tiny amount

Focuses on the diminutive quantity, rather than the act of decreasing.

a trace amount

Suggests an extremely small quantity, nearly undetectable.

a negligible quantity

Stresses that the amount is so small it is practically unimportant.

a fractional decrease

Highlights the decrease as being only a small part of the original amount.

a marginal dip

Emphasizes the dip and highlights that it's just a small, marginal decrease.

a touch

Informal term which expresses that the quantity is small and has a more subtle nuance.

a speck

Implies that the drop or quantity is extremely small and might be easily overlooked.

a hint

Highlights that the quantity is only suggested not a real drop. More figurative and nuanced.

FAQs

How can I use "a small drop" in a sentence?

You can use "a small drop" to describe a minimal amount of liquid, such as "A small drop of water fell from the leaf", or a slight decrease in something, like "There was a small drop in temperature overnight".

What are some alternatives to saying "a small drop"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "a slight decrease", "a minor reduction", or "a tiny amount".

Is it ever incorrect to use the phrase "a small drop"?

Yes, it would be incorrect to use "a small drop" if you're describing a significant decrease or a large quantity. In such cases, phrases like "a significant decrease" or "a large amount" would be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "a small drop" and "a little drop"?

While both phrases convey a minimal amount, "a small drop" generally refers to a more measured or quantifiable amount, while "a little drop" might imply a less precise or more figurative sense of smallness. The terms are largely interchangeable.