a trace amount

USAGE SUMMARY

"a trace amount" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to an extremely small quantity of something. For example, "I could only find a trace amount of sugar in the pantry."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was a trace amount.

The New York Times - Sports

A microgram represents a trace amount.

The New York Times - Health

And only a trace amount of nicotine".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

A trace amount was detected in a urinalysis.

The New York Times - Sports

For him, ingesting even a trace amount of peanuts could be fatal.

The Washington Post

He would also like to see drug thresholds reduced to where only a trace amount of medication is permitted.

The Guardian - Sport

"Nothing on the labels of those supplements indicated that they contained a trace amount" of a prohibited substance.

The New York Times - Sports

There is a trace amount of alcohol in this ginger beer, anywhere from 0.2%to0.4%4% in total.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Catalysts with a trace amount of residual K exhibited higher catalytic activities than those without.

Catalysis Today

The Pt/Au structures prepared with a trace amount of platinum show extremely high electrocatalytic activity.

Electrochimica Acta

To accurately monitor a trace amount of palladium species in water system is both medically and environmentally important.

Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing analytical results (e.g., in science or medicine), use "a trace amount" to indicate that a substance was detected, but only in a very small quantity. This adds precision to your reporting.

Common error

Avoid implying that "a trace amount" is necessarily harmless or insignificant. In contexts like allergies or sensitive chemical reactions, even a tiny quantity can have major effects.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a trace amount" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as an object or complement in a sentence. It modifies a verb or another noun, indicating the presence of something in a very small quantity. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is suitable for standard English writing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

38%

News & Media

58%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a trace amount" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase that signifies a very small quantity of something. According to Ludwig, it's perfectly acceptable in written English. It is used across diverse contexts, predominantly in science and news media, highlighting its versatility. While seemingly insignificant, it's crucial not to underestimate the potential impact of even trace amounts, especially in sensitive scenarios. The related phrases provided offer nuanced alternatives to describe minimal quantities. Remember to use this phrase precisely to convey the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a tiny quantity

Focuses on the minute quantity of something.

a negligible amount

Emphasizes that the quantity is so small it's practically unimportant.

a hint of

Suggests a slight presence, often used for flavors or scents.

a touch of

Similar to 'a hint of', implying a very subtle presence.

a soupçon of

A somewhat fancy way of saying a tiny bit of something, often food.

a smidgen of

Informal term for a very small amount.

an iota of

Emphasizes the extremely small size, often used for abstract qualities.

a speck of

Implies a small particle or fragment.

a whisper of

Suggests a barely perceptible presence.

minimal quantity

Directly states that the quantity is at its lowest possible.

FAQs

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

You can use "a trace amount" to describe a very small quantity of something, as in "The test revealed "a trace amount" of the chemical in the water supply".

What can I say instead of "a trace amount"?

Alternatives include "a tiny quantity", "a negligible amount", or "a hint of", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it always safe if something is only present in "a trace amount"?

Not necessarily. Even "a trace amount" of some substances can be harmful, especially in cases of allergies or toxic materials. The effect depends on the specific substance and the sensitivity of the situation.

Which is correct, "trace amounts" or "a trace amount"?

"Trace amounts" refers to multiple instances of small quantities, while "a trace amount" refers to a single instance of a small quantity. Both are correct depending on the context. For example, "trace amounts of various metals were detected" versus ""a trace amount" of lead was found".