a tiny drop

USAGE SUMMARY

"a tiny drop" is a grammatically correct phrase and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe a small amount or quantity of something, such as a liquid. It can also be used in a figurative sense to describe a small or insignificant part or element of something. Example: She carefully measured out a tiny drop of food coloring to add to the cake batter. Example: The CEO's yearly salary is just a tiny drop in the company's overall profits.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I'm like a tiny drop in 150 years of history".

The New York Times - Style

"We're under no illusions that $15m is just a tiny drop in the secondary debt market.

The Guardian

"I'll have a little glass of tap water, please, and a tiny drop of cold milk, thank you.

The Guardian - Film

Los Angeles also did a backflip into the plus column after a tiny drop the year before.

The New York Times

A tiny drop of DNA, which holds the genetic codes of life, can conceal reams of secret information.

The New York Times

Walgreens has a partnership with Theranos, a diagnostics firm, which offers customers a range of tests from a tiny drop of blood.

The Economist

I buy a pound of Starbucks Pike Place Roast every week and drink it either black or with a tiny drop of half-and-half.

The New York Times

Their existence is given away by a tiny drop in brightness caused when a planet transits in front of its parent star, as seen from Earth.

The Economist

"This AOL breach is just a tiny drop in the giant pool of information that these companies have collected," Mr. Bankston said.

The New York Times - Tech

At Syrrx, a structural genomics company, a robot places a tiny drop of protein into 480 wells, each containing a different chemical combination.

The New York Times - Science

Is there any reason, at this point, to think that a tiny drop in the sea of Facebook ads changed any American votes?

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a tiny drop" to emphasize the insignificance or smallness of something, whether it's a liquid quantity or an abstract concept. It adds a sense of scale and proportion.

Common error

While "a tiny drop" is effective, avoid using it repeatedly in close proximity. Vary your language with synonyms like "a small amount" or "a trace" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a tiny drop" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject, object, or complement in a sentence. It refers to a small quantity or amount of something, usually a liquid. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Wiki

23%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a tiny drop" is a common and grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe a small quantity or something insignificant. Ludwig AI confirms its validity for written English. It is frequently found in News & Media, Wiki, and Scientific contexts, indicating its versatility. While synonyms exist, "a tiny drop" effectively conveys a sense of scale and is widely understood. It is important to avoid overusing this phrase to maintain writing clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a small amount

Emphasizes the quantity being small, replacing "tiny" with a more general term.

a minute quantity

Highlights the extremely small nature of the quantity, using "minute" to intensify the smallness.

a trace amount

Suggests the quantity is barely detectable, focusing on its minimal presence.

a negligible quantity

Indicates the quantity is so small it's practically insignificant.

a hint of

Implies a subtle presence of something, often used for flavors or qualities.

a speck of

Refers to a very small particle or spot, suitable for solids or powders.

a dash of

Commonly used for adding a small amount of liquid, like spices or flavorings.

a touch of

Similar to "a hint of", but can apply to both physical and abstract things.

a smidgen of

An informal term for a very small amount, often used in cooking.

a soupçon of

A French-derived term for a very small amount, adding a touch of sophistication.

FAQs

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

You can use "a tiny drop" to describe a small amount of liquid, like "Add "a tiny drop" of olive oil to the mixture". It can also describe something insignificant, as in "Her contribution was "a tiny drop" in the ocean of global efforts".

What are some alternatives to "a tiny drop"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "a small amount", "a trace of", or "a speck of" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it better to say "a small drop" or "a tiny drop"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "a tiny drop" emphasizes the extremely small size more than "a small drop". The choice depends on the level of emphasis you want to convey.

Can "a tiny drop" be used metaphorically?

Yes, "a tiny drop" is often used metaphorically to represent something insignificant or inconsequential, such as "His apology was "a tiny drop" in addressing the harm he caused".