but the smallest amount of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but the smallest amount of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a minimal quantity or degree of something in a comparative context. Example: "The project requires a significant investment, but the smallest amount of funding can still make a difference."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

But also, have two to three alcohol-free days a week to allow the liver time to recover after drinking anything but the smallest amount of alcohol.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

But anyone who spends even the smallest amount of time online will know that this kind of idea is deeply flawed – and it's not even new.

Independent

How every government seems to find it so difficult to make the smallest amount of progress, but how the NT continues to try.

Vice

But the small amount of research that exists seems to suggest that those teenagers who are schooled in the home in Europe about wine and food are less likely to abuse alcohol.

The New York Times

Researchers have found it is not so much the overall body fat that is important in determining the onset of type-2 diabetes but the small amount of fat deposited in the pancreas, the endocrine organ responsible for insulin production.

Independent

But the small amount of early stock has already been snapped up, according to distributor Microtronica.

Forbes

Solar cells integrated into electric vehicles have long been a mainstay of collegiate racing competitions, but the small amount of roof area has prevented vehicle-solar installations from having a dramatic market in more conventional vehicles.

Solar Energy

In fact, seismicity notably increased around Mt. Fuji during the first month after the 2011 Tohoku earthquake, even when we statistically exclude aftershocks, but the small amount of strain change (< 1 μ strain) may have limited the ascent of magma.

Progress in Earth and Planetary Science

Cheerios have always been made with no GMO oats but the small amount of corn starch used will now come from non-GMO corn and the sugar, non-GMO pure cane sugar. .

Los Angeles Times

The proportion of laboratory abnormal values rises in relation to PFOA, but the small amount of variation in outcomes explained by PFOA (partial R ≤ 0.1%) suggests caution.

Environmental Health Perspectives

Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) has been the gold standard, but the small amount of single cell material limits measurements across multiple genes.

Analytical Chemistry

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "but the smallest amount of", ensure the contrast it introduces is clear and significant. The phrase works best when highlighting that even a minimal quantity can have a noticeable effect.

Common error

Avoid using "but the smallest amount of" when the quantity truly has no practical effect. The phrase should emphasize that even a little makes a difference, not suggest a triviality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but the smallest amount of" functions as a conjunctive element, setting up a contrast. It highlights that even a minimal quantity or degree can have significance, often against expectations. This is supported by Ludwig's examples which indicate that the phrase is used to emphasize the importance of what might seem trivial.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

54%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "but the smallest amount of" serves as a conjunctive phrase that emphasizes the importance or impact of a minimal quantity. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and finds usage across various sources like news, science, and encyclopedias, although is mostly used in News & Media and Science. When using this phrase, ensure the contrast is clear and the small quantity truly has significance. Consider alternatives like "but the slightest bit of" or "but even a trace of" for variety. However, is worth to be noted that using the phrase is most effective when highlighting that even a minimal amount can make a noticeable difference.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

but the merest fraction of

Emphasizes an even tinier proportion, heightening the sense of insignificance.

but even the slightest bit of

Highlights minimal quantity, underscoring that even the least quantity matters.

but the most negligible quantity of

Stresses how utterly insignificant the amount is in relation to its effects or context.

but the tiniest speck of

Uses 'speck' to suggest an almost invisible amount, often in contexts of contamination or purity.

but the bare minimum of

Focuses not just on the quantity but on it being the least acceptable or required.

but the most infinitesimal measure of

Uses 'infinitesimal' for a highly technical or exaggerated sense of smallness.

but a trace amount of

Suited for scientific or technical contexts where even a trace presence is noteworthy.

but only the slightest degree of

Shifts focus from quantity to the least possible intensity or measure.

but the paltriest sum of

Implies worthlessness or inadequacy in addition to smallness.

but the most minute quantity of

Emphasizes precision and almost scientific level of quantifying smallness.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "but the smallest amount of" for variety?

Alternatives include "but the slightest bit of", "but even a trace of", or "but the merest fraction of". Consider which best emphasizes the minimal quantity you're describing depending on context.

Is it always necessary to include "but" before "the smallest amount of"?

While "but" introduces a contrast, it's often essential to highlight that even a tiny quantity matters despite expectations. Omitting it may weaken the intended emphasis or require restructuring the sentence.

When is it inappropriate to use "but the smallest amount of"?

Avoid this phrase if the quantity being described is truly insignificant and has no impact on the outcome or situation. It's most effective when highlighting that even a minimal amount can make a noticeable difference. For example, is more appropriate to say "but a large amount of".

What's the difference between "but the smallest amount of" and "but a small amount of"?

"But the smallest amount of" emphasizes that even the absolute minimum can have an effect, while "but a small amount of" simply indicates a limited quantity without necessarily implying it's surprisingly impactful.