small amount

USAGE SUMMARY

"small amount" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that is not large in quantity. For example, "We only have a small amount of money in the bank account."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It's just a small amount".

The New Yorker

But a small amount".

The New York Times

PROFANITY A small amount.

The New York Times

It's just a very small amount".

The New York Times

He scooped up a small amount.

The New York Times

A small amount extra makes little odds.

The Economist

"A small amount, but good quality".

The Guardian

A very small amount.

BBC

This is no small amount.

Forbes

It's a very small amount.

BBC

Small amount, but quickly.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When providing instructions, use "small amount" to indicate precision and avoid overuse of ingredients or materials. For example, "Add a "small amount" of water at a time until the mixture reaches the desired consistency."

Common error

Avoid using "small amount" when a more specific quantity is known or can be easily determined. Instead of saying "Add a "small amount" of salt", specify the quantity: "Add a quarter teaspoon of salt."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "small amount" functions primarily as a quantifier, specifying that the quantity of something is limited. It modifies a noun, indicating the size or extent of that noun in a measurable way. Ludwig examples show it being used in diverse contexts ranging from cooking to science, highlighting its broad applicability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

51%

News & Media

23%

Science

26%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "small amount" is a versatile phrase used to indicate a limited quantity across various contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While widely applicable, it's important to consider whether a more specific measurement might be more appropriate. As seen from Ludwig examples, the phrase appears frequently in Wiki and News & Media sources, indicating its broad appeal and applicability in both informational and journalistic contexts. For alternatives, consider "tiny quantity", "modicum", or "a touch of" depending on the specific shade of meaning you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

minute quantity

Indicates an extremely small and almost negligible amount.

scant amount

Implies a barely sufficient or inadequate quantity.

tiny quantity

Directly refers to a very limited number or amount.

limited portion

Highlights the restriction in size or amount of something provided.

restricted quantity

Highlights a limited or controlled amount of something.

modicum

Emphasizes a very limited or moderate quantity, often implying just enough.

a touch of

Suggests a slight or subtle addition, often used in cooking or describing qualities.

dash

Indicates a small amount, typically added to food or drinks.

a drop

Refers to a very small, often liquid, quantity.

a speck

Suggests a tiny particle or trace amount, often visually small.

FAQs

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

You can use "small amount" to describe a quantity that is not large or significant. For example, "She added a "small amount" of sugar to her coffee", or "Only a "small amount" of damage was done during the storm".

What are some synonyms for "small amount"?

Alternatives to "small amount" include "tiny quantity", "modicum", "a touch of", or "minute quantity", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "small amount" or "little amount"?

Both "small amount" and "little amount" can be used, but "small amount" is generally preferred. "Little amount" might sound slightly less formal or be used in specific regional dialects.

How does "small amount" compare to "large amount"?

"Small amount" indicates a quantity that is less than expected or needed, while "large amount" signifies a quantity that is substantial or significant. They are direct opposites.