minute amount of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "minute amount of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a very small quantity of something. Example: "The scientist measured a minute amount of the chemical for the experiment."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Huangdi's Huangdi neijing devotes only a minute amount of space to surgery.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The accident was the worst in the plant's 26-year history, but only a minute amount of radioactive steam escaped.

The New York Times

"We only had a minute amount of DNA available to work with, just 40 billionths of a gram.

Independent

Their foreign crew pays no Australian tax and the owner pays a minute amount of company tax in the form of 'freight tax'.

The Guardian

But chardonnay aged in oak barrels will be exposed to the minute amount of air that penetrates the wood, which can add pleasing elements of complexity.

The New York Times

Chris Olert, a spokesman for Con Edison, said a minute amount of water -- nothing radioactive -- had leaked out of the pipe.

The New York Times

Instead, he said, initial tests detected a very minute amount of anthrax spores in their nasal passages or on their skin.

The New York Times

"Why do they ask such stupid questions?" He insists that the mill causes a minute amount of harm that the vast lake is capable of handling.

The New York Times

Firefly light is a cold light with approximately 100 percent of the energy given off as light and only a minute amount of heat.

Encyclopedia Britannica

They may be treated with a minute amount of a digestive enzyme, trypsin — one source of which is pig pancreas, which could account for the pork rumor.

The New York Times - Health

A minute amount of stress generation was observed at the implant tip and threads as well.

International Journal of Implant Dentistry

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "minute amount of", ensure the context clarifies what the substance or entity being quantified is. This provides clarity and prevents ambiguity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "minute amount of" when the quantity, though small, has a significant impact. Instead, consider highlighting the disproportionate effect of that small quantity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "minute amount of" functions as a quantifier, specifically describing a very small or negligible quantity of something. Ludwig examples confirm its use to specify a minimal quantity, indicating precision and detail.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "minute amount of" is a commonly used and grammatically correct quantifier that signifies a very small quantity. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its acceptability and widespread use across various contexts, particularly in science and news media. The phrase is effective for emphasizing the minimal nature of something, and related phrases like "small quantity of" or "trace amount of" can be used as alternatives depending on the desired nuance. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly specifies what is being quantified to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tiny quantity of

Replaces "minute" with "tiny", emphasizing the smallness of the quantity.

small quantity of

Uses "small" instead of "minute", providing a more general term for a limited amount.

negligible amount of

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

trace amount of

Implies the amount is so minimal it's barely detectable.

modicum of

Suggests a very small, often barely sufficient, amount.

scant amount of

Emphasizes the insufficiency or lack of abundance of the quantity.

fraction of

Indicates that it represents a very small part of a whole.

iota of

Denotes an extremely small, almost immeasurable quantity.

dash of

Used for adding a small amount of something, especially in cooking or figuratively.

smidgen of

An informal way of saying a very small amount, implying it's almost negligible.

FAQs

How can I use "minute amount of" in a sentence?

The phrase "minute amount of" is used to describe a very small quantity of something. Example: "The lab detected a "minute amount of" the toxin in the water supply."

What can I say instead of "minute amount of"?

You can use alternatives like "small quantity of", "tiny amount of", or "trace amount of" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "minute amount of" or "small amount of"?

Both phrases are correct, but ""minute amount of"" implies an even smaller quantity than "small amount of". The best choice depends on the specific level of precision you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "minute amount of" in formal writing?

Yes, ""minute amount of"" is appropriate for formal writing. Ludwig AI shows that it is found across diverse reputable sources, including scientific and news publications.