in small quantities

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in small quantities" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate the amount or size of something. Example: The store only sells organic vegetables in small quantities, so be sure to get there early if you want to buy some. In this sentence, "in small quantities" means that the store sells a limited amount of organic vegetables.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Gold is found in small quantities.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Chromite is also mined in small quantities.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"We make everything in small quantities.

The New York Times

In small quantities, exposure causes death.

The New York Times

Syringyl lignins are present in small quantities.

Micron

Some of the best versions are made in small quantities.

The New York Times - Food

In small quantities, these ions are needed for energy metabolism.

The Economist

He had to buy food in small quantities.

The New York Times

Salting ferments them, turning them soft, bitter, odd-tasting and, in small quantities at least, delicious.

The New York Times

Amarone, the most prestigious and expensive wine in the Veneto, was long made in small quantities.

The New York Times - Food

Many more American porters are made in small quantities by brewers who mostly sell locally.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "in small quantities", ensure it aligns with the context. For instance, it's suitable for describing ingredients in a recipe, the availability of rare goods, or controlled exposure to a substance.

Common error

Avoid assuming that something present "in small quantities" is necessarily unimportant or negligible. Even minute amounts can have significant effects, depending on the context. Consider the impact, not just the volume.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in small quantities" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause by specifying the extent or degree to which something occurs. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. As Ludwig examples show, this can describe amounts of substances, products, or even abstract concepts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Academia

8%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in small quantities" is a versatile adverbial phrase indicating a limited amount or extent, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It enjoys widespread use across diverse contexts, from news reports to scientific papers and encyclopedic entries. This phrase serves to convey limitation, restriction, or controlled availability. While grammatically sound and frequently employed, it's crucial to consider the potential significance of even small amounts. Common alternatives include "in limited amounts", "sparingly", and "in trace amounts". The choice depends on the specific nuances of limitation you wish to express. The frequent occurrence of "in small quantities" in authoritative sources underscores its reliability and acceptance in standard English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in limited amounts

Replaces "quantities" with "amounts", emphasizing the limited nature of the amount.

in restricted amounts

Emphasizes the limitation or restriction of the amount available.

in modest portions

Uses "portions" to refer to amounts, suggesting a controlled or restrained serving.

in reduced portions

Focuses on the act of diminishing portion sizes.

in slight measures

Employs "measures" to indicate quantity, implying a careful or precise amount.

in minimal doses

Replaces "quantities" with "doses", implying a small amount, often in a medical or scientific context.

in trace amounts

Indicates the presence of something, but only in extremely small quantities.

sparingly

A single-word adverb meaning "in small amounts or quantities".

on a small scale

Shifts the focus to the scale or extent of production or activity.

in homeopathic doses

References homeopathy, emphasizing the extremely small nature of the amounts.

FAQs

How can I use "in small quantities" in a sentence?

You can use "in small quantities" to describe something that is present or available in a limited amount. For instance, "Gold is found "in small quantities" in the Hamersley Range".

What phrases are similar to "in small quantities"?

Similar phrases include "in limited amounts", "sparingly", or "in trace amounts". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "in small quantity" or "in small quantities"?

"In small quantity" is grammatically correct but less common. "In small quantities" is generally preferred, especially when referring to multiple instances or occurrences.

When is it appropriate to use "in small quantities" instead of "sparingly"?

While both convey the idea of a limited amount, "in small quantities" is more descriptive and can be used when you want to emphasize the actual amount involved. ""sparingly"" implies using something cautiously or conservatively.