small amount of work

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'small amount of work' is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a task or job that requires only a small expenditure of effort. For example, "I finished the project with a small amount of work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

I also undertook a small amount of work experience at a software company in Hertfordshire.

The Guardian

The small amount of work carried out on heat transfer in CFB combustors is reviewed.

Chemical Engineering Science

There is also an abundance of package-specific literature, and a small amount of work at the basic, introductory level.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"The label gets written because of a very small amount of work that's had a lot of publicity," he said.

The New York Times

Ms. Kaleda told me that she hadn't listed Sightline as a part-time employer because of "the small amount of work involved".

The New York Times

I hesitate to say they were normal problems, but I think everyone has some small amount of work to do on these boats when they get mobile".

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

In most cases, direct exfoliation of MQ2 into colloidal nanosheets is conducted in organic solvents, while a small amount of works report low-concentrated colloids in pure water.

Advances in Colloid and Interface Science

"Will the government's policy meet the needs of families who have small amounts of work, irregular work, parents who are looking for work, who need access to childcare while they're looking for work, while they're studying?" the shadow families minister, Jenny Macklin asked.

The Guardian

For the new study, the researchers used Amazon Mechanical Turk, a Web site where people can sign up to do small amounts of work for small amounts of money.

Science Magazine

Behavioral economists Dan Ariely and Michael Norton have shown the effect small amounts of work have on the way people value various products.

Huffington Post

or if you know exactly the smallest amount of work to, e.g. needs the source (since our "fortran".for are pre-processed).

Columbia University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "small amount of work" when you want to downplay the effort required for a task or to highlight efficiency.

Common error

Avoid using "small amount of work" if the task, despite being easy, is critically important. It could undermine the perceived value of the contribution.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "small amount of work" functions as a noun phrase acting as the object or complement in a sentence. It describes the quantity or extent of effort required for a particular activity. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

9%

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "small amount of work" is a versatile and commonly used expression to describe a task requiring limited effort. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and applicable across various contexts, including news, science, and academia. While its straightforward meaning makes it easy to use, it's important to be aware of the implications of downplaying efforts, particularly when the task at hand is critical. Alternatives like "minimal amount of effort" or "light workload" can offer subtle shifts in emphasis. Being mindful of the intended audience and the context will ensure effective and appropriate communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

minimal amount of effort

Focuses more on the effort required rather than the work itself.

limited workload

Emphasizes the quantity of tasks involved.

light workload

Suggests an easy and manageable amount of work.

small task

Simplifies the phrase to its most basic components.

minor task

Emphasizes the insignificance of the task.

simple task

Highlights that the task is straightforward.

modest undertaking

Highlights the scale of the project or task.

brief assignment

Emphasizes the short duration or extent of the work.

easy job

Focuses on the simplicity and lack of difficulty.

negligible effort

Stresses the minimal effort needed to complete the task.

FAQs

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

You can use "small amount of work" to describe a task that doesn't require much effort. For example, "Finishing this report only requires a "small amount of work"."

What are some alternatives to saying "small amount of work"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "minimal amount of effort", "light workload", or "minor task" to convey a similar meaning.

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

"Small amount of work" and "little amount of work" are quite similar. "Small" might be slightly more common, but both are acceptable. It's more about personal preference and context.

When is it not appropriate to use "small amount of work"?

Avoid using "small amount of work" when the task is actually complex or important, as it might downplay the significance of the job. In such cases, use more appropriate phrases such as "requires focused effort" or "essential task".