a tiny amount

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a tiny amount" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a very small quantity of something. Example: "She added a tiny amount of salt to the recipe to enhance the flavor."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Get a tiny amount of Flarp! on your finger Apply the flarp to the dart.

WikiHow

Sprinkle with coarse salt and a tiny amount of sugar.

The New York Times - Health

And 64 gigs really truly is a tiny amount.

The New York Times

"That's a tiny amount of money," he said.

The New York Times

They had only a tiny amount of food.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expensive, but you use only a tiny amount.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

At first, producing even such a tiny amount proved challenging.

The Guardian

Mobile phones, however, carry a tiny amount of energy.

The Guardian

And in those situations, a tiny amount of force can give you a really big response.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

They do not mind paying a tiny amount of money every month for health care.

The Economist

Gasification systems can expend a tremendous amount of energy to produce a tiny amount of electricity.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing quantities, use "a tiny amount" to convey precision and emphasize the smallness of the quantity, ensuring the audience understands the limited nature of what you're discussing.

Common error

While "a tiny amount" is widely understood, avoid using it excessively in formal or scientific writing where more precise quantitative terms would be appropriate. Instead, consider using terms like "trace amounts" or specifying the quantity numerically.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a tiny amount" functions as a determiner phrase, specifically quantifying a noun. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and denotes a very small quantity. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its use across diverse contexts, from cooking to scientific descriptions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

30%

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a tiny amount" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to indicate a very small quantity, suitable for various contexts ranging from informal guides to news articles and scientific reports. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is considered correct and clear. While widely understood, more formal contexts might benefit from more precise alternatives. Usage examples from Ludwig demonstrate its versatility, while related phrases offer options to adjust the emphasis on smallness. Remember to consider the specific context and audience when deciding whether "a tiny amount" is the most appropriate choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a slight quantity

Replaces "tiny" with "slight", indicating a minimal but perhaps more perceptible amount.

a small measure

Uses "measure" instead of "amount", suggesting a carefully determined small quantity.

a modicum

Replaces "a tiny amount" with a single word implying a limited quantity or degree; slightly more formal.

a trace

Suggests an extremely small amount, almost imperceptible.

a speck

Implies a very small, almost invisible amount, usually of a solid substance.

a dash

Specifically refers to a small amount added, often in cooking.

a hint

Suggests a very subtle, indirect indication or small quantity.

a drop

Refers to a very small quantity of a liquid.

a fraction

Indicates a small part of a whole.

a mere pittance

Emphasizes the insignificance of the amount, often in a financial context.

FAQs

How can I use "a tiny amount" in a sentence?

Use "a tiny amount" to describe a very small quantity of something. For example: "She added "a tiny amount" of sugar to her coffee".

What phrases are similar in meaning to "a tiny amount"?

Alternatives include "a small quantity", "a little bit", or "a slight amount". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "a tiny amount" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, in formal writing, consider more precise terms if possible. Alternatives like "trace amounts" or specific numerical quantities may be more suitable.

What's the difference between "a tiny amount" and "a small amount"?

"A tiny amount" emphasizes the extreme smallness of the quantity, suggesting it's barely perceptible. "A small amount" simply indicates a quantity that is less than average or typical, without the same degree of emphasis on its insignificance.