small amounts

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "small amounts" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a limited quantity of something, often in contexts like measurements, ingredients, or resources. Example: "You should add small amounts of salt to the dish to enhance its flavor without overpowering it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Used in small amounts, chromium hardens steel.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Small amounts of hornblende are often present.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Broccoli contains small amounts of carcinogens.

The Economist

Add flour as needed, in small amounts.

The New York Times - Food

It is best served in small amounts.

The New York Times - Food

Batteries can only keep small amounts.

The Guardian

It can be frozen in small amounts.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Smoke detectors contain small amounts of radioactive materials.

The New York Times - Tech

Our salad harbored small amounts of mealy seafood.

The New York Times

Late-comers got only small amounts of dust.

The New York Times

So it might be emitting small amounts of methane now.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "small amounts" in recipes or scientific contexts, specify the unit of measurement (e.g., "small amounts of salt," "small amounts of solution") to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "small amounts" when the quantity is actually significant or impactful. It can undermine the credibility of your statement if the "small amount" has a large effect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "small amounts" typically functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun. It describes the quantity or degree of something, indicating a limited or reduced presence. Ludwig AI confirms the correctness and usability of the phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Wiki

35%

Science

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "small amounts" is a versatile and frequently used expression to denote limited quantities across various contexts. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and widespread applicability. Predominantly found in news, media, and wiki sources, this phrase serves to quantify portions, often for instructions or recommendations. While seemingly simple, proper usage, especially in technical fields, demands precision. Related terms like "limited quantities" or "trace amounts" offer nuanced alternatives. Remember to avoid using "small amounts" if the amount is misleadingly insignificant.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

limited quantities

Emphasizes the restriction in the quantity available or used.

modest quantities

Suggests a moderate or unassuming size of quantity, often implying adequacy without excess.

tiny quantities

Highlights the extremely minute nature of the amount.

minute quantities

Focuses on the precision and near invisibility of the amount.

trace amounts

Implies the amount is so small it's barely detectable.

negligible amounts

Indicates the amount is so insignificant it can be disregarded.

reduced quantities

Highlights a reduction from a previous larger quantity.

small portions

Suitable when referring to servings or allocations of something.

minimal doses

Specifically related to medicine or other substances administered in controlled quantities.

scattered instances

Refers to infrequent occurrences rather than quantifiable amounts, but implies a low frequency.

FAQs

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

You can use "small amounts" to describe a limited quantity of something, such as "Use "small amounts" of water when mixing the dough" or "The test detected "small amounts" of radiation".

What can I say instead of "small amounts"?

You can use alternatives like "limited quantities", "modest quantities", or "trace amounts" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "a small amount" or "small amounts"?

Use "a small amount" for uncountable nouns (e.g., "a small amount of water") and "small amounts" for countable nouns (e.g., "small amounts of ingredients").

What's the difference between "small amounts" and "trace amounts"?

"Small amounts" generally refers to a quantity that is limited but still measurable or noticeable. "Trace amounts" indicates a quantity that is so minimal it's barely detectable.