a small quantity of water

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a small quantity of water" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a limited amount of water in various contexts, such as cooking, science, or everyday situations. Example: "To make the soup, add a small quantity of water to the pot before mixing in the vegetables."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

Or, as The New York Evening Post put it in 1808: "Some wells have been dug in the filthiest corners of the town; a small quantity of water has been conveyed in wretched wooden pipes, now almost worn out, for family use; and in a manner scarcely, if at all, preferable to the former method of supplying water by the carts".

The New York Times

The embedded films were exposed to a small quantity of water to induce a delamination of the cross-sectional structure.

Nanoscale Research Letters

The films were exposed to a small quantity of water to provoke a partial delamination in the z-direction of the films (Figure 1E, F).

Nanoscale Research Letters

A small quantity of water or steam was uplifted to the ground surface and caused the very local swelling and the abnormal blowouts of steam wells.

Earth, Planets and Space

The anodic oxide film formed on molybdenum in an electrolyte of acetic acid, sodium borate, and a small quantity of water has been studied using ellipsometry.

Electrochimica Acta

Kongars suffered from scarcity of water in their native home and they had to dig deep by cutting hard-bound rocks for a small quantity of water (Ramamurthy 1986).

Pastoralism: Research, Policy and Practice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

The dissociation of smaller amounts of ozone entails the production of less amounts of O 1D) destroying a smaller quantity of water vapor.

Advances in Space Research

Moreover, lower body water content in females compared with males results in the dispersal of an identical quantity of consumed alcohol in a smaller quantity of water, as a result of which a woman will reach higher ethanol concentration.

BMC Public Health

If you dump into hot water or a small quantity of cold water, a dangerous amount of hot steam may be produced which could cause severe burns to your hands or arms.

WikiHow

Human insulin was dissolved in a small quantity of purified water by adding 1 N hydrochloric acid (drop-wise) until the formation of clear solution.

Progress in Biomaterials

Conjugated Bilirubin: Conjugated bilirubin (CalbioChem, La Jolla, CA) was dissolved into a very small quantity of water.

BMC Clinical Pathology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a small quantity of water", ensure the context clearly indicates why the limited amount is significant. For example, in scientific experiments or precise recipes, the exact quantity matters.

Common error

Avoid using "a small quantity of water" in very casual conversations. Simpler terms like "a little water" or "some water" are often more appropriate and sound more natural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a small quantity of water" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the object of a verb or preposition. It describes a specific amount of water, emphasizing its limited nature. Ludwig confirms that it is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

75%

Wiki

15%

News & Media

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a small quantity of water" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote a limited amount of water. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. While versatile, it is most commonly found in scientific and technical contexts where precision is valued. For more casual settings, simpler alternatives like "a little water" might be preferable. Remember to use this phrase when the specific amount is important and contributes to the clarity of your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a limited amount of water

Focuses on the restriction or scarcity.

a drop of water

Focuses on a very minimal amount.

a bit of water

More casual and general.

a trickle of water

Emphasizes the small and continuous flow.

a splash of water

Suggests a small amount added quickly or carelessly.

a touch of water

Similar to a dash, often used when mixing.

a dash of water

Often used in cooking or mixing contexts.

a trace of water

Indicates a very small, almost undetectable amount.

a modicum of water

More formal, indicating a limited or moderate amount.

a mere amount of water

Emphasizes the insignificance of the amount.

FAQs

How can I use "a small quantity of water" in a sentence?

You can use "a small quantity of water" to describe a limited amount of water in various contexts. For example: "The recipe requires only "a small quantity of water"." or "A small quantity of water was enough to induce the reaction in the experiment."

What are some alternatives to "a small quantity of water"?

Some alternatives include "a little water", "a drop of water", "a splash of water", or "a dash of water", depending on the context and desired nuance.

Is it better to say "a small quantity of water" or "a little water"?

While both are grammatically correct, "a little water" is generally more informal and common in everyday conversation. "A small quantity of water" is suitable for more formal or technical contexts where precision is important.

What is the difference between "a small quantity of water" and "small quantities of water"?

"A small quantity of water" refers to a single instance of a limited amount of water. "Small quantities of water" refers to multiple instances of limited amounts of water. For example: "A small quantity of water was added to the mixture," versus "Small quantities of water were collected from various sources."