no small amount of

USAGE SUMMARY

"no small amount of" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is typically used to emphasize that something is not insignificant or to emphasize the size or difficulty of something. Example: "She faced no small amount of criticism for her controversial decision." In this sentence, "no small amount of" emphasizes the fact that the amount of criticism was significant and not to be dismissed.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That's a 16-year career, no small amount of water under the bridge.

Los Angeles Times

There was shock, tears, and no small amount of anger.

The New York Times

This causes Ansel no small amount of pain.

The Guardian - Business

Everything Cara did she performed with enthusiasm, commitment, and no small amount of flair.

Princeton University

"He's shown guts, determination and no small amount of skill under the most difficult of circumstances.

The Guardian - Sport

But they see no small amount of irony in the Russians' complaints.

The New York Times

For some laureates, the cash does indeed allow no small amount of fun.

The Guardian - Books

(I picked its price point though, which brought me no small amount of smugness).

The Guardian - Lifestyle

They spend no small amount of time in bars, drinking away history.

The New York Times - Arts

The former was all crazy eyes and hard charges, and no small amount of skill.

The Guardian - Sport

Within a large company, the privacy chief's job requires no small amount of diplomacy.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "no small amount of" to subtly emphasize the magnitude or impact of something without resorting to hyperbole. It adds a touch of understatement, which can be more persuasive in formal writing.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "no small amount of" can sound overly formal in casual conversation or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "a lot of" or "much" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "no small amount of" functions as a determiner phrase modifying a noun. It indicates that the noun it modifies is present in a quantity or degree that is significant and not negligible. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "no small amount of" is a versatile phrase used to emphasize a significant quantity or degree. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across diverse contexts, particularly in news, academic, and formal business writing. While effective for adding emphasis, it's crucial to consider the tone of your writing and opt for simpler alternatives in casual settings. As indicated by Ludwig, the phrase functions as a determiner and serves to highlight that something should not be underestimated. Using this phrase thoughtfully can elevate your writing, providing subtle yet impactful emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a considerable quantity of

This alternative emphasizes the substantial quantity involved, similar to the original phrase.

a significant degree of

This highlights the notable extent to which something exists, mirroring the meaning of "no small amount of".

a substantial portion of

Focuses on a sizable portion, similar to indicating a considerable amount.

a large measure of

Suggests a significant quantity, akin to "no small amount of".

an appreciable quantity of

Indicates that the quantity is noticeable and not negligible, like the original phrase.

a good deal of

Denotes a large quantity or extent, comparable to "no small amount of".

a fair amount of

Implies a reasonable or considerable quantity, similar in meaning.

a respectable quantity of

Indicates a quantity that is worthy of respect or attention, sharing a similar sense of significance.

a noticeable degree of

Emphasizes that the degree is easily observed or recognized, mirroring the idea of something not being insignificant.

a marked degree of

Indicates that the degree is clearly evident, sharing a similar sense of emphasis.

FAQs

How can I use "no small amount of" in a sentence?

You can use "no small amount of" to indicate a significant quantity or degree of something. For example, "The project required "a considerable quantity of" time and resources", or "She demonstrated "a significant degree of" dedication to the task".

What are some alternatives to "no small amount of"?

Some alternatives include "a good deal of", "a large measure of", or simply "a lot of", depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is "no small amount of" more formal than "a lot of"?

Yes, "no small amount of" generally carries a more formal tone than "a lot of". Using it can add a touch of sophistication to your writing, but it's important to consider your audience and the overall tone of your piece to avoid sounding overly stilted.

When should I avoid using "no small amount of"?

Avoid using "no small amount of" in very informal settings or when speaking to young children. Simpler phrases like "much" or "many" are generally more appropriate in those contexts.