a trickle

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a trickle" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a small, slow flow of liquid or a gradual, limited amount of something, often in a metaphorical sense. Example: "After the heavy rain, there was only a trickle of water flowing down the street."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

"It's a trickle".

The New York Times

The glimmer became a trickle.

The New York Times - Magazine

A pipeline became a trickle.

The New York Times - Sports

A trickle echoed along the trail.

The New York Times

Foreign aid has slowed to a trickle.

The New York Times

"But there is a trickle effect.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

There was a trickle-down effect.

The New York Times

"There's a trickle-down effect".

The New York Times

"From there, it's a trickle-down effect.

The New York Times - Sports

There is a trickle-down effect everywhere.

The Guardian - Arts

"It is a trickle-down effect.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a trickle" to effectively describe situations where the flow or amount is minimal and often insufficient. For example, "After the policy change, investment decreased to a trickle".

Common error

Avoid using "a trickle" when describing substantial or consistent flows. "Stream" implies a stronger, more continuous flow, whereas "a trickle" signifies a small, often intermittent one.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a trickle" primarily functions as a noun phrase. According to Ludwig, it describes a small, slow flow of liquid or a gradual, limited amount of something. It often serves as a subject, object, or complement in sentences, indicating the limited quantity or rate of something.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a trickle" is a noun phrase denoting a small or gradual flow or amount. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, particularly in news, academic, and scientific domains. While it maintains a neutral register, its primary function is to communicate scarcity or gradualness, often implying a quantity less than desired. To use this phrase effectively, remember to distinguish it from terms like "stream", which suggest larger quantities, and follow best practices for clear and impactful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a slow drip

Emphasizes the slowness and small quantity of the flow.

a gradual stream

Highlights the gradual nature of the flow.

a slight flow

Focuses on the minimal amount of the flow.

a meager amount

Stresses the insufficiency of the quantity.

a small quantity

Directly refers to the limited amount.

a steady oozing

Implies a slow and continuous release.

a dribble

Suggests an inconsistent and sparse flow.

a thin stream

Emphasizes the narrowness of the flow.

a sparse flow

Highlights the lack of abundance.

a light sprinkling

Implies a scattered and minimal distribution.

FAQs

How can I use "a trickle" in a sentence?

You can use "a trickle" to describe a small, slow flow of liquid or a gradual, limited amount of something. For instance, "The donations came in at "a trickle" after the initial announcement."

What are some alternatives to "a trickle"?

Alternatives include "a slow drip", "a slight flow", or "a meager amount", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "a trickle" versus "a stream"?

"A trickle" is appropriate when the flow or amount is very small and often intermittent. "A stream", on the other hand, suggests a more substantial and continuous flow.

Is "trickle-down effect" related to "a trickle"?

Yes, the term "trickle-down effect" describes a theory where economic benefits provided to businesses and upper income levels will eventually benefit poorer members of society. The idea is that benefits at the top will "a trickle" down to those at the bottom.