by a small quantity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "by a small quantity" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a minor difference or amount in a measurement or comparison. Example: "The final score was determined by a small quantity, making the game particularly exciting."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

The companies' algorithm specifies that each company will change its prices by a small quantity if they believe that such change is profitable.

Complex Adaptive Systems Modeling

Good surface antithrombogenicity is indicated by a small quantity of the platelets adhered on the surface, less activation, and morphological change.

Nanoscale Research Letters

In particular, the LiAl0.08Mn1.92O4 sample demonstrates excellent capacity retention of 99.3% after 50 cycles at 55 °C, confirming the greatly enhanced electrochemical stability of LiMn2O4 by a small quantity of Al-doping.

Electrochimica Acta

Furthermore, the form of Proposition 2 also holds under a weaker form of isotropy that allows the expectation of A'A to differ from the identity matrix by a small quantity (see [ 22] for the specification of the matrix norm).

GigaScience

On the other hand, oils characterized by a small quantity of 1,8-cineole and by a medium mean percentage of the monoterpene, p-cymene, the ketone, cryptone, the aldehydes, phellandral and cuminal were more active.

BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

For DNA fragments generated by ChIP (or blunt-end restriction) these limitations are effectively overcome by prior phosphatase treatment, by using recombinant terminal transferase enzyme, and by spiking a small quantity of terminating nucleotide into the tailing reaction.

BMC Genomics

Since [H3O+] must also be known, the commonest procedure is to measure [A]/[B] in a solution made by adding a small quantity of A or B to a standard buffer solution.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Only by adding a small quantity of additives, waste cooking oil had not been separated from diesel oil.

Environmental Systems Research

Therefore, the forming ability of melt drag strip can be enhanced by adding a small quantity of Si to the traditional 79Ni Fe alloy.

Materials Science and Engineering: A

The active chemical agent for etching was generated by mixing a small quantity of sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) gas into the plasma.

Thin Solid Films

By introducing a small quantity of poly vinyl alcohol) as binder, the composite hydrogel further develops an anti-disassembling ability, which is absent from most of physically crosslinked gels.

Carbon

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "by a small quantity", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being measured or compared. Providing specific units of measurement can enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "by a small quantity" without providing context. Always specify what the quantity refers to and, if possible, provide a more precise measurement to avoid ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by a small quantity" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the extent or degree of a change or difference. As seen in Ludwig's examples, it specifies that the change is minimal.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

20%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "by a small quantity" serves as an adverbial phrase indicating a minor difference or change. Ludwig AI states that it's grammatically correct, although relatively rare in usage. Predominantly found in scientific and news contexts, the phrase is suitable for neutral to formal registers. To enhance clarity, it's best practice to provide specific units of measurement alongside the phrase. Overall, while acceptable, more precise language is preferable to avoid vagueness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

by a slight amount

Focuses on the degree of change or difference.

by a tiny bit

Emphasizes the smallness of the increment or difference.

by a narrow margin

Highlights the closeness of the difference.

by a minimal increment

Stresses the incremental aspect of the change.

by a hairline fracture

Used idiomatically to emphasize a very slight margin or difference, often in competitive situations.

by a whisker

Emphasizes the narrowness of the difference, often implying a close call or near miss.

by a slim chance

Indicates a low probability or slight possibility.

by a fractional value

Focuses on the mathematical aspect of the quantity.

by a negligible extent

Highlights the insignificance or unimportance of the quantity.

by a trace element

Suggests the presence of a very small, almost undetectable quantity.

FAQs

How can I use "by a small quantity" in a sentence?

Use "by a small quantity" to indicate a slight difference or change. For example, "The experiment's results differed "by a small quantity", suggesting further research is needed."

What are some alternatives to saying "by a small quantity"?

Alternatives include "by a slight amount", "by a narrow margin", or "by a minimal increment" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use a specific measurement instead of "by a small quantity"?

While "by a small quantity" is acceptable, using a specific measurement (e.g., "by 2%") is generally preferable as it provides greater precision and clarity.

What's the difference between "by a small quantity" and "by a large quantity"?

"By a small quantity" indicates a minimal difference or change, whereas "by a large quantity" signifies a significant difference or change. The choice depends on the magnitude of the difference you're describing.