small amount of blood

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "small amount of blood" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in medical or descriptive contexts to refer to a limited quantity of blood. Example: "The doctor noted a small amount of blood in the patient's urine during the examination."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

My GP rechecked the urine and also found a small amount of blood.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In the car the police found a small amount of blood.

The New York Times

The test costs $12-$12-$16d itakeses only a small amount of blood.

Harvard University

The report added: "He had spit up a small amount of blood in his saliva".

The New York Times - Sports

Sieracki immediately jumped back in protest, and close-up footage showed a small amount of blood coming from the ear.

The New York Times - Sports

Within two weeks, the cells formed a new beating heart that conducted electrical impulses and pumped a small amount of blood.

The New York Times - Health

Police officers who searched Mr. Silver's office had found a small amount of blood on the wall and floor beside his desk.

The New York Times

To determine this, we will schedule stroke patients to come in on a yearly basis for memory testing and collection of a small amount of blood.

Stanford University

The blood test necessary to monitor the DNA is inexpensive, requires only a small amount of blood and uses common lab equipment.

Stanford University

The other, called a finger stick, is done by pricking your finger with a sharp blade to obtain a small amount of blood from a capillary.

Harvard University

With the help of police, the judge went into his cousin's office on 48th Street in Borough Park, and he and the officers found a small amount of blood on the wall and floor beside Mr. Silver's desk.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing medical symptoms or forensic findings, use "small amount of blood" to clearly and objectively indicate the quantity without exaggeration.

Common error

Avoid using dramatic language when "small amount of blood" is more accurate. Overstating can mislead readers or create unnecessary alarm.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "small amount of blood" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. It describes a specific quantity of blood, typically in medical, forensic, or descriptive contexts, as shown by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

35%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "small amount of blood" is a common noun phrase used to describe a limited quantity of blood. Grammatically correct and adaptable, it finds frequent application in news, science, and academic writing. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its appropriateness across these contexts. While alternatives like "trace of blood" or "minor blood loss" exist, the original phrase remains a clear and objective descriptor. It's crucial to use this phrase accurately, avoiding exaggeration to prevent misinterpretations. Ludwig's examples show its consistent usage across authoritative sources, solidifying its place in both formal and neutral registers.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

trace of blood

Refers to a very minimal presence of blood, implying an even smaller quantity than "small amount".

minor blood loss

Focuses on the loss of blood, emphasizing that the quantity lost is not significant.

slight blood presence

Emphasizes the existence of blood, but indicates it's not substantial.

limited blood quantity

Highlights the restriction or reduced nature of the blood's volume.

minimal blood volume

Uses technical terminology to indicate a low quantity of blood, more common in medical contexts.

dash of blood

Implies a very small, almost insignificant quantity of blood.

smidgen of blood

Informal and emphasizes the tininess of the amount.

drop of blood

Focuses on a single unit or instance of blood.

tinge of blood

Suggests that the blood is mixed with something else, only slightly coloring it.

touch of blood

Indicates a very light and subtle presence of blood.

FAQs

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

You can use "small amount of blood" to describe a minor injury, a medical test requiring little sample, or a forensic finding. For instance: "The doctor found a "small amount of blood" in the patient's stool sample."

What are some alternatives to "small amount of blood"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "trace of blood", "minor blood loss", or "slight blood presence".

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

Yes, "small amount of blood" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly in medical, scientific, or forensic contexts. It's a clear and objective way to describe a quantity.

What's the difference between "small amount of blood" and "a lot of blood"?

"Small amount of blood" indicates a limited quantity, suggesting the situation is not severe. "A lot of blood" implies a significant quantity, suggesting a more serious situation. The choice depends on the actual amount observed.