a tiny amount of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a tiny amount of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a small quantity of something, often in contexts related to measurements, ingredients, or resources. Example: "To make the recipe, you only need a tiny amount of salt to enhance the flavor."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Sprinkle with coarse salt and a tiny amount of sugar.

The New York Times - Health

"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

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

Coarse salt to taste A tiny amount of sugar 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil 1.

The New York Times - Health

When the spins are parallel, the atom has a tiny amount of extra energy.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Note how a tiny amount of matter can produce a huge amount of energy.

The New York Times

But, strangely, with each coupling a tiny amount of mass is lost, too.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a tiny amount of", ensure the context clearly indicates what the small quantity is being compared to. This helps provide a sense of scale and emphasizes the limited nature of the amount.

Common error

Avoid using "a tiny amount of" to describe something that ultimately has a significant impact. While the quantity may be small, the outcome could be substantial, so choose language that reflects the true importance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a tiny amount of" primarily functions as a determiner phrase modifying a noun. It indicates a small quantity of something. Ludwig examples illustrate its use across various contexts, confirming its grammatical correctness as per Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Wiki

29%

Science

23%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a tiny amount of" is a grammatically sound and versatile expression used to denote a small quantity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears frequently across diverse contexts, including news, science, and general writing. The phrase is best used when the smallness of the quantity is a key detail, and writers should avoid overstating the impact of such small amounts. While suitable for most contexts, more formal alternatives exist for specialized writing. Ludwig's examples highlight its prevalent use in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, demonstrating its widespread acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A minuscule quantity of

Replaces "tiny" with "minuscule", emphasizing extreme smallness.

A small measure of

Uses "small measure" as a more formal alternative to "tiny amount".

A trace of

Indicates an extremely small, almost undetectable amount.

A hint of

Implies a subtle and slight presence.

A modicum of

Employs "modicum" to denote a limited and moderate quantity.

A speck of

Suggests a very small particle or quantity.

A fragment of

Implies a broken-off or detached small part.

A smidgen of

An informal term for a very small amount.

A dash of

Often used for adding a small amount of an ingredient.

An iota of

Uses "iota" to represent an extremely small quantity.

FAQs

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

Use "a tiny amount of" to describe a small quantity or degree of something. For example, "Add "a tiny amount of salt" to enhance the flavor" or "He showed "a tiny amount of compassion"".

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

You can use alternatives such as "a small quantity of", "a trace of", or "a hint of" depending on the context. These phrases convey a similar meaning of a small quantity.

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

While "a tiny amount of" is generally acceptable, more formal alternatives like "a small measure of" or "a modicum of" may be more suitable for formal contexts. The choice depends on the specific tone and audience.

How does "a tiny amount of" differ from "a large amount of"?

"A tiny amount of" indicates a very small quantity, while "a large amount of" indicates a significant quantity. They are direct opposites and used to describe drastically different scales of measurement or degree.