least quantities

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "least quantities" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the smallest amounts of something in a specific context, such as measurements or resources. Example: "The experiment requires the least quantities of each chemical to ensure safety and accuracy."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"These programs have netted Manpads in the past, in at least quantities in the low hundreds," he said.

The New York Times

Total flavonoid content of the seed and leaf extracts was recorded in least quantities in quercetin equivalents (QE) and in comparison to the total phenolics (Table 1).

BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

It is found that a five-impulse plan requires the least quantity of propellant, and a propellant-optimal minimum rendezvous duration exists for this long-duration, large non-coplanar rendezvous problem.

Advances in Space Research

The vermiculture as means of reducing the greenhouse gas emissions that have negative impacts on the environment, although waste sector produces the least quantity of greenhouse gases (Roghaye 2012).

International Journal of Recycling of Organic Waste in Agriculture

On a nutrition label, ingredients are listed in order of product composition, from greatest to least quantity.

Huffington Post

Lars R. Jorgenson who had conceived this concept had proved that the most economic design of the dam was obtained with an optimum opening angle of 133.6°, with the least quantity of concrete.

Wikipedia

This means that (at least some) quantities or expressions of SR can be written as Newtonian or classical quantities plus an expansion of corrections in powers of (v/c)2.

SEP

Nearly all the natural elements have been recorded as present in at least trace quantities in dolostones.

Britannica

Water vapour concentration is one of the most important, yet one of the least known quantities of the mesosphere.

Advances in Space Research

Belgian owner Roland Duchâtelet has regrouped again this summer, hiring compatriot Bob Peeters and overseeing a raft of transfer activity that, for now, makes the Addicks one of this season's least predictable quantities.

The Guardian - Sport

Indeed, Scotus goes so far as to suggest that the accidents of a substance — at least, its quantities, qualities, and relations — are individuated by their own haecceities, something that is not often spotted in the commentaries (on this, see Scotus, Ordinatio II, d. 3, p. 1, q. 4, n. 89 (Scotus [OO], 7 434; Spade (1994), 79 80)).

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "least quantities", ensure the context clearly defines what is being minimized, whether it's resources, risks, or other factors.

Common error

Avoid using "least quantities" when referring to something that should be maximized. Ensure the context is appropriate for minimization, not maximization.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "least quantities" functions as a noun phrase modified by the adjective "least". It is used to specify the minimal or smallest amounts of something. As per Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "least quantities" is a grammatically sound expression used to denote the smallest amounts of something. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's suitable for various writing contexts, especially in science, news, and media where minimal amounts or resources are being described. While not exceedingly common, understanding its usage ensures clarity and precision in your writing. When using "least quantities", remember to define the context. Alternatives like "minimum amounts" and "smallest amounts" can be used for semantic variation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

minimum amounts

Emphasizes the absolute lowest amount possible. Slightly more formal.

smallest amounts

Focuses on the size of the amounts, highlighting their diminutive nature.

minimal quantities

Synonymous, but might suggest a more deliberate reduction to the smallest amount needed.

tiniest amounts

Emphasizes how incredibly small the amount is. Slightly more informal.

negligible quantities

Indicates that the amount is so small it's practically insignificant.

scant quantities

Highlights the insufficiency of the amount. More formal.

lowest quantities

Focuses on a comparative aspect, identifying the lowest among a set of quantities.

trace amounts

Implies that the quantity is so small it is barely detectable.

meager amounts

Emphasizes the inadequacy of the quantity.

paltry amounts

Suggests that the quantity is ridiculously small and insignificant.

FAQs

How to use "least quantities" in a sentence?

Use "least quantities" to describe the smallest possible amount of something required or used. For example, "The experiment requires the "least quantities" of each chemical to minimize waste."

What can I say instead of "least quantities"?

You can use alternatives like "minimum amounts", "smallest amounts", or "minimal quantities" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "the least quantity" instead of "least quantities"?

While grammatically acceptable, "the least quantity" refers to a singular amount. Use ""least quantities"" when referring to multiple instances or components.

What is the difference between "least quantities" and "negligible quantities"?

"Least quantities" simply means the smallest amounts, whereas "negligible quantities" implies the amounts are so small they are practically insignificant or have no effect.