amounts were small

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "amounts were small" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing quantities that are not significant or are minimal in a particular context. Example: "In the study, the amounts were small, which limited the overall impact of the findings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

The amounts were small, but the effects dramatic.

Independent

But American and European officials said the amounts were small so far.

The New York Times - Science

The amounts were small, and only half of the $29,200 total for those 29 fines has been paid.

The New York Times

Averaging across those households which do derive income from wildlife, amounts were small in most sites, contributing <5% of the mean annual income (Figure 2).

Pastoralism: Research, Policy and Practice

The Afghan president has admitted his office received secret payments from the US, but says the amounts were small and used legitimately.

BBC

For those who did benefit, the amounts were small - in real terms £42 this year per basic rate taxpayer - and would be "immediately outweighed" for parents with one child by a freeze in child benefit.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

As Vice-President, he continued to receive payments from some of the contractors, but, although his office was higher, the amounts were smaller.

The New Yorker

The amounts are small.

The New York Times

As with international aid, the amounts are small enough to be pretty much irrelevant.

The Guardian

Civil suits in which the amounts are small may also be tried without a jury.

Britannica

The amounts are small, about $12 million, out of a total portfolio of about $154 billion.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "amounts were small", ensure the context clearly indicates what the amounts are relative to. Providing a comparison helps the reader understand the significance (or lack thereof) of the small amounts.

Common error

Avoid claiming significant consequences when the "amounts were small". Ensure your claims are proportional to the scale being discussed. Do not contradict the initial statement about the amounts being small by exaggerating their impact later in your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "amounts were small" functions as a descriptive statement, indicating that the quantities or sums being discussed are not significant. As seen in Ludwig, this phrase is used to provide context about the scale of something.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

32%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "amounts were small" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression that serves to indicate that the quantities under discussion are not significant. As Ludwig AI confirms, its use is acceptable in written English. Occurring most frequently in News & Media and Science contexts, the phrase conveys a sense of insignificance and limited scale, suitable for neutral to professional registers. To use it effectively, ensure the context provides clear reference points for the described amounts. While the term is widely applicable, exaggerating the impact of a situation where "amounts were small" should be avoided.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

quantities were minimal

Focuses on the idea of the quantities involved being at the lowest level.

sums were negligible

Highlights the idea that the sums involved are so small as to be unimportant.

figures were low

Indicates that the numerical values were at a reduced level.

levels were insignificant

Emphasizes that the levels in question were not high enough to have an impact.

portions were diminutive

Highlights that the portions in question were small and often suggests they were smaller than expected.

the quantities were reduced

Emphasizes that the quantities have been brought down or lessened.

the scale was limited

Indicates the scale of something was restricted or not expansive.

the degree was minor

Highlights that the degree of something was not large or significant.

volumes were scant

Emphasizes that the volumes were not abundant or plentiful.

the extent was trivial

Highlights that the extent or scope of something was of little importance.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "amounts were small" in a sentence?

Consider alternatives such as "quantities were minimal", "figures were low", or "sums were negligible" to convey that the quantities in question were not significant. Choose the phrasing that best fits the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "amounts were small" in formal writing?

Yes, "amounts were small" is appropriate for formal writing. It is a clear and concise way to indicate that the quantities involved are not substantial. Ensure that the context provides necessary information to understand what the amounts are relative to.

What's the difference between "amounts were small" and "amounts were large"?

The phrase "amounts were small" indicates that the quantities being discussed are not significant or substantial. In contrast, "amounts were large" implies that the quantities are considerable or significant. They represent opposite ends of a scale.

How to use "amounts were small" in a sentence to emphasize insignificance?

You can use the phrase in a sentence like: "Although efforts were made, the amounts were small, and the overall impact was limited." This highlights that despite some action, the quantity or impact remained insignificant.