even the smallest amount of

USAGE SUMMARY

"even the smallest amount of" is a perfectly acceptable phrase in written English.
It is often used to emphasize the little amount of something that exists. For example, "Even the smallest amount of effort is enough to see some reward."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

And even the smallest amount of baking can bring its own cheer.

The New York Times

It made all the difference, she said, because an athlete is so sensitive to change that even the smallest amount of pollutants has the potential to affect breathing.

The New York Times - Sports

As anyone who has spent even the smallest amount of time at the fringe will know, showboating and narcissism are de rigueur for many shows.

The Guardian

She wasn't innocent: at the time she was arrested, possession of even the smallest amount of marijuana was a crime in DC.

The Guardian

In some cases, even the smallest amount of leakage can result in severe damage to the trim and subsequent valve failure, says Bryan Orchard.

World Pumps

"Inhaling even the smallest amount of tobacco smoke can also damage your DNA, which can lead to cancer," Dr. Benjamin said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

Cash-hungry states and municipalities, in pursuit of even the smallest amounts of revenue, have begun to exploit one market that they have exclusive control over: their own property.

The New York Times

Continue to roll back any regulations that might help control even the smallest amounts of additional contribution to the problem and downplay the report itself.

Forbes

As I have invested in more and more companies, I have learned that many founders would benefit dramatically from even the smallest amounts of cash (compared to the overall deal size).

TechCrunch

"It is hard to imagine what the impact could have been if even the smallest amounts of this drug were to have made its way to the street," said George Stephenson of the RCMP in a press release.

Vice

"It is hard to imagine what the impact could have been if even the smallest amounts of this drug were to have made its way to the street," the RCMP said in a press release at the time.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "even the smallest amount of" to emphasize that even a minimal quantity can have a significant impact or consequence. For example, "Even the smallest amount of pollution can harm the environment."

Common error

Avoid using "even the smallest amount of" in sentences where a simpler expression like "a little" or "a bit" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily verbose. For instance, instead of saying "Even the smallest amount of sugar makes it sweet", consider "A little sugar makes it sweet."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "even the smallest amount of" functions as an intensifier, emphasizing how a minimal quantity can still be significant. Ludwig examples illustrate it preceding nouns to highlight minimal quantities of substances, efforts, or qualities. This aligns with Ludwig AI response indicating its use to emphasize a small amount.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "even the smallest amount of" is a versatile phrase used to emphasize the significance of minimal quantities or degrees. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usage for emphasis. Predominantly found in news, science, and formal business contexts, it serves to highlight that even minimal contributions or presences can lead to significant results. Remember to use it judiciously, opting for simpler phrasing when emphasis isn't crucial, and avoid overuse to maintain a natural writing style. The Ludwig examples are a great way to see this demonstrated.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

even the slightest quantity of

Replaces "amount" with "quantity" and "smallest" with "slightest", emphasizing the insignificance of the quantity.

even a trace of

Uses "trace" to denote a very small quantity, suggesting a minimal presence.

even a hint of

Emphasizes the subtle presence of something, rather than the quantity.

even an iota of

Uses "iota" to represent a very small amount, implying a negligible quantity.

even the merest suggestion of

Focuses on a slight indication or sign, rather than a concrete quantity.

even a modicum of

Uses "modicum" to suggest a small but sufficient amount.

even a drop of

Suggests an extremely small quantity, often used for liquids.

even the tiniest bit of

Replaces "smallest amount" with "tiniest bit" for a more informal tone.

even a fraction of

Suggests a tiny portion of a whole.

even the least bit of

Focuses on the minimal degree or extent of something.

FAQs

How can I use "even the smallest amount of" in a sentence?

Use "even the smallest amount of" to emphasize that something is true or significant, regardless of how small the quantity or degree is. For example, "Even the smallest amount of effort can make a difference."

What are some alternatives to "even the smallest amount of"?

You can use alternatives such as "even a trace of", "even a hint of", or "even the slightest quantity of" depending on the context.

Is it always necessary to use "even the smallest amount of", or can I use a simpler phrase?

While "even the smallest amount of" is grammatically correct, it's often better to use a simpler phrase like "a little" or "a bit" if the emphasis isn't needed. Simpler phrasing makes your writing more concise and direct.

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

"Even the smallest amount of" emphasizes that the quantity is so minimal that it still has an effect, while "even a small amount of" simply indicates that the quantity is not large. The former places greater stress on the minuteness of the quantity.