a thin amount of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a thin amount of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a small quantity or a slight degree of something, often in a context where the physical or metaphorical thickness is being referenced. Example: "She added a thin amount of salt to the dish to enhance the flavor without overpowering it."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Hence, it can be concluded that even a thin amount of biofilm can hinder nanoparticle migration in small-scale porous medium experiments.

Journal of Contaminant Hydrology

Layer a thin amount of the pumpkin mixture on the bottom of the loaf pan.

WikiHow

To lock the tiles in and create a solid floor for your bathroom, you'll need to first layer a thin amount of mortar to set the tiles and grout to connect them to one another.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Wrap a wide and thin amount of duct tape around your fingers, then place inside the tin.

WikiHow

Basidiomycetes are often represented by extensive fungal biomass in the form of thick ECM mantles and extraradical mycelium, while many ascomycetes may have thin mantles and a sparse amount of external mycelium [e.g., ECM of Cadophora finlandia; [ 59]], or they may be present as endophytes.

BMC Plant Biology

As NBC notes, Clinton released a real letter from a doctor that actually shed more light on her condition, while Trump's release "added little to an already-thin amount of known details about Trump's health". That wasn't so hard to say, was it?

The Washington Post

Spread thin amounts of the mixture onto the flat sides of the cookies, while still warm, soft, and pliable.

WikiHow

To tin the seams you first add flux to all of the seams, then apply a thin, flat amount of solder to all of the seams.

WikiHow

Our eyes have the thinnest amount of skin around them, and they tend to show signs of aging first, so be sure not to rub them.

Huffington Post

It only takes a tiny amount of thinner, so it is better to err on the side of too little, than to over thin the fluid.

WikiHow

To investigate the photocatalytical properties of thin film an amount of 400 ml of a solution containing 50 ppb of Pb2+ or Cr6+ was utilized for removal study while the solution was stirred at 70%% of maximum efficiency of magnetic stirrer.

Journal of Nanostructure in Chemistry

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a thin amount of", ensure the context clarifies what is being thinly applied or distributed. For instance, "a thin amount of paint" or "a thin amount of trust".

Common error

Avoid using "a thin amount of" excessively in formal or academic writing where more precise quantifiers like "minimal quantity" or "slight degree" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a thin amount of" functions as a determiner phrase, specifically quantifying a noun. As noted by Ludwig, it is considered grammatically correct and is used to indicate a small quantity or degree of something, often with the implication of being spread out or subtle.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Wiki

33%

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a thin amount of" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a small quantity or subtle presence of something, often implying a spread or distribution. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's versatile but may be replaced with more precise terms in formal writing. Usage ranges from practical instructions to describing abstract quantities, making it a useful phrase in various contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a small quantity of

Replaces "amount" with "quantity", emphasizing the limited number of something.

a slight degree of

Focuses on the mild or minimal extent of something, rather than a physical quantity.

a trace of

Suggests an extremely small and almost imperceptible quantity.

a touch of

Implies a delicate and subtle addition or presence of something.

a hint of

Similar to "a touch of", but often used for intangible qualities or flavors.

a dash of

Used primarily for liquids or powders added in a small quantity.

a sprinkle of

Specifically used for powdered or granular substances dispersed lightly.

a meager portion of

Emphasizes the inadequacy or scarcity of the amount.

a nominal quantity of

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

a modicum of

Implies a limited but perhaps sufficient amount of something needed.

FAQs

How can I use "a thin amount of" in a sentence?

You can use "a thin amount of" to describe a small quantity of something spread over a surface or subtly present in a situation. For example, "Apply "a thin amount of" glue to the edges" or "There was "a thin amount of" hope remaining".

What are some alternatives to "a thin amount of"?

Alternatives include "a small quantity of", "a slight degree of", or "a trace of depending" on the specific context.

Is it better to say "small amount" or "thin amount"?

It depends on the context. "Small amount" generally refers to quantity, while "thin amount" implies a spreading or distribution over an area or subtle presence. Use "thin amount" when emphasizing the distribution or subtlety.

Which is correct: "a thin amount of" or "an thin amount of"?

"A thin amount of" is correct. The article "a" is used before consonant sounds, while "an" is used before vowel sounds. Since "thin" begins with a consonant sound, "a" is the appropriate article.