an insignificant quantity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an insignificant quantity" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a small or negligible amount of something, often in scientific, economic, or general contexts. Example: "The experiment showed that the chemical reaction produced an insignificant quantity of byproducts, which did not affect the overall results."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

The branzino fillet is beautifully crisp, glazed with a not insignificant quantity of buttery lemon-caper sauce, and is laid over a bed of sautéed escarole mixed with mashed potatoes.

Los Angeles Times

It is not an insignificant amount of money.

Forbes

Nothing could be more contrary to the public interest than doing what California State Parks has done: using the drought as an excuse to reduce public water services that benefit public health while using statistically insignificant quantities of water: beach showers, campground wash stations, restrooms, and water fountains.

Huffington Post

Freeport said it had found only insignificant quantities of gold at Busang.

The Economist

There is the possibility that lead can leach into water from old plumbing, but sampling indicates that the vast majority of NYC taps produce water containing only minute, insignificant quantities of lead (if any).

Columbia University

West Virginia lies in the heart of coal country, which means MCHM is likely kept in not insignificant quantities at storage and preparation facilities across the state.

Huffington Post

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Vice

As α-amylase removes significant quantities of polysaccharide but only insignificant quantities of protein [ 32, 33], its action on bone matrix suggests that the polysaccharide moiety is not a part of the BMP.

Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research

Insignificant quantities of 1,3-propanediol were detected in this study, and propanol and butanol were detected at less than 1 gCOD L−1 each.

Biotechnology for Biofuels

The probable ASB group consisted of seven samples which grew organisms that were different from the first MSU sample, 2 grew bacteria in insignificant quantities, four were no growth and two were grossly contaminated specimens.

BMC Infectious Diseases

This is not an insignificant dollar amount.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an insignificant quantity", ensure the context clearly establishes what the quantity is insignificant relative to. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "an insignificant quantity" when the amount, while small, still has a noticeable effect or impact. The phrase should be reserved for amounts that truly have negligible consequences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an insignificant quantity" functions as a noun phrase acting as a determiner of a subsequent noun. It modifies the noun to indicate that the amount being discussed is so small as to be unimportant or without consequence. Ludwig shows how this phrase is often used to describe amounts that are negligible in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

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Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an insignificant quantity" is a phrase used to describe an amount so small that it's of little or no consequence. Although Ludwig's examples are currently limited, the phrase itself is grammatically correct and serves the purpose of minimizing the perceived impact of a specified amount. Consider using alternative phrases like "a negligible amount" or "a trivial quantity" depending on the specific context. When using this phrase, make sure it is clear what the insignificant quantity is relative to, so as to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a negligible amount

Emphasizes that the quantity is so small it can be disregarded.

a negligible quantity

Similar to 'a negligible amount', indicating the quantity can be ignored.

a trivial amount

Highlights the unimportance or lack of consequence of the quantity.

a minute quantity

Focuses on the extremely small size of the quantity.

a paltry amount

Suggests the quantity is not only small but also inadequate or contemptible.

an inconsequential amount

Stresses the lack of impact or significance of the quantity.

a trace amount

Implies the quantity is barely detectable.

a nominal quantity

Suggests the quantity is so small it's merely symbolic.

a trifling amount

Highlights the insignificance and lack of value of the quantity.

a microscopic quantity

Emphasizes the extremely small size, often referring to something that can only be seen with a microscope.

FAQs

What does "an insignificant quantity" mean?

It refers to an amount of something that is so small or unimportant that it has little to no effect or consequence.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "an insignificant quantity"?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize that a particular amount is so small that it can be safely disregarded or ignored in a given context.

What are some alternatives to "an insignificant quantity"?

You can use alternatives like "a negligible amount", "a trivial amount", or "a minute quantity" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "insignificant quantity" or "negligible quantity"?

Both "insignificant quantity" and "negligible quantity" are correct, but "negligible quantity" might sound more formal or scientific. Choose the one that best fits the tone and context of your writing.