a smallest amount

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a smallest amount" is not correct in standard English; it should be "the smallest amount." You can use the correct phrase when referring to the least quantity of something in a specific context.
Example: "Please provide the smallest amount of sugar needed for the recipe."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

But a particle would have to be a smallest amount of some type of ingredient, occupying some space all by itself with no other type of ingredient in it.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

But a small amount".

The New York Times

PROFANITY A small amount.

The New York Times

He scooped up a small amount.

The New York Times

A small amount extra makes little odds.

The Economist

With perhaps a small amount of prodding.

The New York Times

Only a small amount is about celebrities.

The New York Times

His mother, Joan Siegel, contributed a small amount.

The New York Times

"It's just a small amount".

The New Yorker

"A small amount, but good quality".

The Guardian

It means "a smaller amount".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always use the definite article "the" instead of "a" when referring to the absolute minimum quantity: "the smallest amount".

Common error

Avoid using the indefinite article "a" with superlative adjectives like "smallest" when referring to a unique minimum. It's grammatically more precise to use "the smallest amount".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a smallest amount" functions as a noun phrase intending to specify a minimal quantity of something. However, Ludwig AI indicates that the correct form uses the definite article, "the", instead of "a", highlighting a grammatical nuance.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

28%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a smallest amount" is often used to convey a minimal quantity but, as Ludwig AI points out, it's grammatically incorrect. The correct phrasing is "the smallest amount". While present in various contexts, including news and some scientific articles, the incorrect article usage detracts from its formality. For clarity and correctness, especially in formal writing, use "the smallest amount" or semantically similar alternatives like "the least amount" or "a minimal quantity". Remember, precision in language enhances the credibility of your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

The smallest amount

Grammatically correct version using the definite article.

The minimum amount

Uses "minimum" to clearly indicate the lowest permissible or required quantity.

The least amount

Uses "least" instead of "smallest" to denote the minimum.

A minimal quantity

Replaces "amount" with "quantity" and "smallest" with "minimal".

A tiny quantity

Emphasizes the smallness of the quantity using the word "tiny".

A trace amount

Indicates a very small and often barely detectable amount.

A negligible amount

Highlights that the amount is so small it's practically insignificant.

A modicum

Implies a limited or moderate amount, often of something abstract.

An infinitesimal amount

Stresses the extreme minuteness of the quantity.

A drop in the bucket

An idiomatic expression denoting an insignificantly small amount compared to what's needed.

FAQs

What is the correct way to say "a smallest amount"?

The grammatically correct way to phrase it is "the smallest amount". The use of the definite article "the" indicates a specific, minimal quantity.

Can I use "a smallest amount" in formal writing?

No, it's best to avoid "a smallest amount" in formal writing. Use "the smallest amount" or alternatives like "the least amount" or "a minimal quantity" for better clarity and correctness.

What are some alternatives to "a smallest amount" that convey the same meaning?

Alternatives include "the minimum amount", "a trace amount", or "a negligible amount", depending on the specific context and degree of smallness you want to emphasize.

Is there a difference between "a smallest amount" and "the smallest amount"?

Yes, "the smallest amount" is grammatically correct, while "a smallest amount" is not. "The" specifies a particular minimum quantity, whereas "a" implies one among many, which doesn't fit the superlative nature of "smallest".