grain of rice

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "grain of rice" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to refer to something small in size. For example, "I could barely see the grain of rice he had dropped on the floor."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Or a grain of rice.

The Guardian - Books

Imagine a humble grain of rice.

The Guardian

"You are one grain of rice.

The New York Times

The chef put a grain of rice in my hand.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

All were smaller than a grain of rice.

The New York Times - Magazine

From Every Grain of Rice by Fuchsia Dunlop Bloomsburyy, £25).

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It's like a grain of rice and entirely passive.

MIT Technology Review

The implant is the size of a grain of rice.

The Washington Post

And so, the shape of things to come boils down to a grain of rice.

The New York Times - Food

Each grain of rice remained distinct, without the pastiness of overcooking.

The New York Times

From Every Grain of Rice by Fuchsia Dunlop (Bloomsbury, RRP £25).

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "grain of rice" when you need a familiar reference point to illustrate something that is very small in size or quantity.

Common error

Avoid using "grain of rice" to describe items that are significantly larger, as this diminishes the impact of the comparison. Instead, select more appropriate analogies for larger objects.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "grain of rice" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often used as an adjectival modifier to describe the size of something else. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage as a familiar comparison point for small dimensions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "grain of rice" is a common and acceptable English expression, primarily used to describe something extremely small. As Ludwig AI suggests, it serves as a relatable point of reference for size. It's seen most frequently in news and media, but also appears in scientific and wiki contexts. When writing, remember that while it's a widely understood comparison, more precise measurements may be needed for technical writing. Remember to avoid using it to describe objects that are significantly larger. Consider alternatives like "rice kernel", or "small amount of rice", for varied phrasing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

single rice grain

Highlights the individual nature of the rice particle.

rice kernel

Focuses specifically on the seed of the rice plant, rather than a general quantity.

speck of rice

Conveys an extremely small and almost unnoticeable quantity of rice.

tiny bit of rice

Underscores the smallness and insignificance of the rice portion.

minuscule rice particle

Emphasizes the extremely small size from a scientific perspective.

individual rice seed

Highlights the biological component of the rice as a seed.

microscopic rice fragment

Indicates a fragment that is so small as to only be visible with a microscope.

portion of rice

Emphasizes the quantity of rice served or used.

small amount of rice

Indicates a limited quantity of rice.

a trace of rice

Implies that only a minimal amount of rice is present.

FAQs

How can I use "grain of rice" in a sentence?

You can use "grain of rice" to describe the size of something very small, like "The microchip was about the size of a "grain of rice"." or to emphasize a tiny quantity.

What objects are commonly compared to the size of a "grain of rice"?

Objects often compared to a "grain of rice" include microchips, metal seeds used in medical procedures, and even tiny brain structures.

Is it appropriate to use "grain of rice" in formal writing?

While "grain of rice" is widely understood, consider whether a more precise measurement (e.g., millimeters) might be more suitable for formal or scientific writing.

What's a more descriptive alternative to "grain of rice" when referring to size?

Depending on the context, you could use "minuscule", "microscopic", or provide an actual measurement in millimeters or micrometers if greater precision is needed.