even an iota of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "even an iota of" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to emphasize the smallness or insignificance of something, often in a negative context to indicate a lack of something. Example: "I don't want even an iota of doubt in your mind about my commitment to this project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

Most are embarrassments — only Akon's "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin' 2008" has even an iota of the magic of Jackson's album.

The New Yorker

His litany of connection makes us feel the humiliation of his disconnection: cut off from history, from purpose, from even an iota of authenticity.

The New Yorker

"The majority of Afrikaners, with their problems, fears and hopes, do not support even an iota of Terre'Blanche's views," the columnist Justice Malala wrote in a blog posting.

The New York Times

Should anyone have even an iota of doubt about The Times's crucial role in helping its readers navigate the tumult of the 21st century, just revisit its reportage from the roiling tempests of the Middle East in recent weeks.

The New York Times

As for erasing the memories of that night, I would never want to take a chance that even an iota of all the positive memories of my wonderful sons would disappear along with the painful ones.

The New York Times - Magazine

Everything about the story rings untrue, starting with the queasy connection between the two, despite Waterston's plausible blend of awkwardness and precocious poise (though, like her father, Sam Waterston, she puts forth a persona lacking even an iota of whimsy) and Leguizamo's sarcastic manner, which is charismatic in a lost cause.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

He's a player about whom there has never even been an iota of a bad story - he does not make the headlines for the wrong reasons".

BBC

Not at all, for even then we knew, without an iota of insider's knowledge, that we were seeing something beautiful and heartfelt.

The New York Times - Arts

He's very good at what he does, with lots of personality, even if he doesn't have an iota of the range that Joshua and Jessica have.

Huffington Post

Hillary Clinton has never shown an iota of bravery, or even of comprehension, in facing down the CIA.

Huffington Post

And that doesn't even account for the fact that he has not indicated an iota of knowledge of the details of the issues involved in foreign policy.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "even an iota of" to underscore the lack of something, especially when you want to emphasize that not even the smallest amount exists. It adds a dramatic or emphatic effect to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "even an iota of" in very casual conversations or informal writing. While grammatically correct, its formal tone might seem out of place. Simpler phrases like "not a bit" or "not at all" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "even an iota of" functions as an intensifier, emphasizing the minimal quantity or degree of something. It is often used to express a complete absence or a near-zero amount of a particular quality or substance. Ludwig AI confirms that is a standard phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

86%

Wiki

9%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "even an iota of" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to emphasize the lack or negligible presence of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s typically used to strengthen a negative statement. While versatile, it's more suitable for formal writing and speech than casual conversations. Alternatives like "the slightest bit of" or "not a shred of" can be used depending on the context. Its frequent appearance in news and media sources indicates its widespread understanding and acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the slightest bit of

Emphasizes the extremely small quantity or degree, similar to "even an iota of".

a trace of

Indicates a very small amount or sign of something.

a hint of

Suggests a subtle or indirect indication, similar to a small amount.

a shred of

Highlights the insignificance or lack of something, like "even an iota of".

not a drop of

Emphasizes the complete absence or lack of any amount.

not the slightest

Directly indicates the absence of even a small degree.

not a scintilla of

Highlights a tiny amount of something.

the merest speck of

Highlights a minimal amount of something.

not the faintest

Emphasizes the absence of intensity or degree.

not a jot of

Indicates a negligible amount or significance.

FAQs

How can I use "even an iota of" in a sentence?

You can use "even an iota of" to emphasize the lack of something, for example: "There isn't "even an iota of" evidence to support his claim."

What are some alternatives to "even an iota of"?

Alternatives include phrases like "the slightest bit of", "a trace of", or "a shred of", which similarly convey a minimal amount or absence of something.

Is "even an iota of" formal or informal?

"Even an iota of" tends to be more formal. In informal contexts, consider using simpler alternatives like "not a bit" or "not at all".

What does "iota" mean in the context of the phrase "even an iota of"?

In this context, "iota" refers to a very small or insignificant amount. The phrase ""even an iota of"" thus emphasizes the extreme lack of something.