a tiny fragment of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a tiny fragment of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a very small piece or part of something larger, often in a metaphorical or literal sense. Example: "The archaeologist discovered a tiny fragment of pottery that dated back to ancient times."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

Al Qaeda in Iraq is a tiny fragment of its former self.

The New Yorker

Even a tiny fragment of such junk can destroy a satellite.

The Economist

The earliest version of Shakespeare on film is a tiny fragment of King John, starring Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree.

The Guardian - Film

A tiny fragment of the population believed they'd inherited the chalice from the leaders of the 1916 rising.

The Guardian - Books

Demand from international collectors is such that a tiny fragment of the meteorite could fetch hundreds of dollars.

The Guardian

Yancey wrestled with a tiny fragment of a sample until he had wrung all the soul from it.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

A third emblematic slip we have found is a very tiny fragment of the head shake 'no' or head nod 'yes', directly contradicting the words that are spoken.

Huffington Post

A tiny fragment in the mosaic of Istanbul's history, the Crimea Memorial church was designed by the English architect GE Street and built in 1858-68 on land donated by the sultan.

The Guardian - Travel

Even a very tiny fragment of the whole organism can regenerate itself, provided it contains some nuclear material to determine what is supposed to be regenerated.

Britannica

With its wood panelling, handsome floorboards and oil paintings, the Grapes is a forgotten, tiny fragment of Victorian London hidden in the shadows of Canary Wharf's ominous skyscrapers.

The Guardian - Travel

The tiny fragment of whatever was embedded inside a gaudily beautiful reliquary that is, a shrine that holds the relic itself made of gold and silver.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a tiny fragment of" to emphasize the insignificance or smallness of a part within a larger whole, especially when highlighting its potential impact or representativeness.

Common error

Avoid using "a tiny fragment of" in highly formal or technical writing where a more precise term like "a small portion" or "a minimal amount" would be more appropriate. Consider the tone and audience of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a tiny fragment of" typically functions as a determiner phrase modifying a noun, indicating a very small portion or piece of something. It often introduces a noun that represents the larger whole from which the fragment originates. Ludwig AI confirms this usage is grammatically correct and well-supported by examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a tiny fragment of" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to emphasize the smallness of a part in relation to a larger whole. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's versatile enough for various contexts, though more formal or technical writing might benefit from more precise terminology. Predominantly found in news and media sources, this phrase serves to highlight the potential impact or representativeness of even the smallest portions. Consider its slightly informal tone when crafting your writing to ensure it aligns with your desired level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A small piece of

Replaces "tiny fragment" with a more general term for a small part.

A minute portion of

Substitutes "tiny fragment" with a phrase emphasizing extreme smallness.

A sliver of

Suggests a thin, narrow piece, maintaining the idea of a small part.

A grain of

Uses a physical analogy (a grain) to represent a very small amount.

A trace of

Implies an even smaller and less detectable amount than "tiny fragment".

A hint of

Suggests a slight indication or suggestion, rather than a physical fragment.

A modicum of

Refers to a small or limited amount, often in a non-physical sense.

A vestige of

Emphasizes that what remains is a surviving trace of something lost or diminished.

An iota of

Indicates an extremely small quantity, close to nothing.

A scintilla of

Denotes a tiny spark or trace, often used metaphorically.

FAQs

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

You can use "a tiny fragment of" to describe a very small piece or portion of something, either literally or metaphorically. For example, "The scientist analyzed "a tiny fragment of" the meteorite" or "He showed "a tiny fragment of" remorse".

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

Alternatives include "a small piece of", "a minute portion of", or "a trace of", depending on the specific context and the degree of emphasis you want to convey.

Is "a tiny fragment of" suitable for formal writing?

While generally acceptable, "a tiny fragment of" might be considered too informal for certain highly formal contexts. In such cases, consider using more precise or technical terms like "a minimal amount" or "a small portion".

What's the difference between "a tiny fragment of" and "a small part of"?

"A tiny fragment of" emphasizes the extreme smallness and potential insignificance of the piece, whereas "a small part of" simply indicates that it's not the whole. The choice depends on whether you want to highlight the size as a key characteristic.