small amount of water

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "small amount of water" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that someone is only consuming, using, or possessing a limited quantity of water. For example, "The hikers had to make do with a small amount of water until they reached the nearest stream."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Pour a small amount of water over the grains and let it sit for 20 seconds.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But the melting ice contributes a relatively small amount of water to the Semliki river.

The Guardian

It's held aloft by giant springs; the small amount of water puddles in the center.

The New York Times

You may want to add a small amount of water when you reheat.

The New York Times - Health

Add a small amount of water to the dish (about 1/4 inch).

The New York Times - Health

The small amount of water in atmospheric vapour, relative to water on Earth, belies its importance.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The precipitate was dissolved in small amount of water.

Chemistry Central Journal

After coming to a boil, a small amount of water is set aside.

BBC

The freeze-dried sample was dissolved in a small amount of water and centrifuged.

Plosone

- require a small amount of water for administration.

Unicef

A small amount of water is bound by the PGs and collagen fibrils.

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When instructing someone to add "small amount of water", be precise about the desired consistency or effect. Consider specifying a volume (e.g., teaspoon) or describing the visual outcome (e.g., "just enough to moisten").

Common error

Avoid using "small amount of water" when a specific measurement is crucial. For instance, in scientific experiments or precise recipes, quantify the water needed (e.g., "5 ml of water") to ensure accurate results.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "small amount of water" functions primarily as a modifier of a noun, specifying the quantity of water. Ludwig AI data shows it frequently appears in instructions, recipes, and descriptions where the exact quantity isn't critical, but the relative size matters.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

40%

News & Media

18%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "small amount of water" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to indicate a limited quantity of water. As Ludwig AI confirms, it serves to modify a noun, conveying that the amount of water being referenced is not substantial. Its neutral register makes it suitable across various contexts, from informal instructions in wikis to more formal reporting in news media and even some scientific applications. While versatile, it's important to be precise when necessary, opting for specific measurements in situations demanding accuracy. Overall, the phrase is a reliable and widely understood way to describe a limited quantity of water.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

little water

Focuses on the diminutive aspect of the water quantity.

tiny quantity of water

Emphasizes the extremely small nature of the water volume.

minimal water

Highlights that only the least possible water is used.

dash of water

Implies a very quick and minimal addition of water.

scant amount of water

Suggests that the quantity of water is barely sufficient.

drop of water

Refers to a single, minute unit of water.

trace of water

Indicates a very subtle or barely perceptible presence of water.

modicum of water

Emphasizes the limited and modest quantity of water.

mere trickle of water

Presents an image of a feeble stream of water.

reduced water volume

Specifies a decrease from a previous or expected water level.

FAQs

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

You can use "small amount of water" to describe a limited quantity of water, such as in cooking instructions ("Add a small amount of water to the pan to prevent sticking."), or in describing resource scarcity ("The campers only had a small amount of water left.").

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

Alternatives include "little water", "dash of water", "minimal water", or "tiny quantity of water", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "small amount of water" or "little amount of water"?

"Small amount of water" is generally preferred. "Little amount of water" isn't incorrect, but "small" more naturally modifies "amount" in this context.

When is it better to use a precise measurement instead of "small amount of water"?

Use a precise measurement (e.g., "2 tablespoons of water") when accuracy is critical, such as in baking, chemistry experiments, or medication preparation. "Small amount of water" is suitable when an approximate quantity is sufficient.