small amounts of something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "small amounts of something" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a limited quantity of a particular item or substance. Example: "The recipe calls for small amounts of salt to enhance the flavor of the dish."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Additive manufacturing also makes it easier to create small amounts of something.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Combine a small amount of something with healthy fat, like peanut butter, with a larger amount of something very light, like apple slices or celery sticks.

Harvard University

What can you call a very small amount of something?

BBC

Because this may be perceived as a stressful situation, it raises the possibility that a small amount of something that is harmful in large doses may in fact be beneficial, i.e., the idea of hormesis.

Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences

When you do, try giving her a small amount of something bland, such as chicken and rice or chicken broth.

WikiHow

Simple; it is usually better to have a smaller amount of something than none at all.

Forbes

The concept is called "crowdsourcing" — the public submits small amounts of content to create something much larger, like Wikipedia or YouTube.

The New York Times

As the term implies, "crowdfunding" is funding from a crowd of people -- i.e., many people provide small amounts of money to finance something.

Huffington Post

Mixing iron with small amounts of carbon and other materials produces something not just shinier but much harder and stronger.

The Guardian - Film

Many migrant workers, it is said, have taken to sewing up small amounts of money in their coats, to have something left over after they are frisked.

The Economist

Small amounts of hornblende are often present.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "small amounts of something", be specific about what you're quantifying to provide clarity. For example, instead of "small amounts of something", try "small amounts of fertilizer".

Common error

Avoid using "small amounts of something" when a more precise term is available. Overuse can make writing vague. Consider using more descriptive terms that suit the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "small amounts of something" functions as a quantifier, specifying a limited quantity of an unspecified substance or object. It's commonly used to indicate that only a minimal portion is needed or present. As Ludwig AI also confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

30%

News & Media

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "small amounts of something" is a grammatically sound phrase used to indicate a limited quantity of an unspecified item. As Ludwig AI confirms, this expression is appropriate for various contexts, ranging from informal to formal. While versatility is high, precise quantification is a writing best practice to enhance clarity and reduce ambiguity. Although the expression is valid, consider replacing it with more descriptive terms or alternatives like "a touch of something" to boost precision in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a touch of something

Implies adding a very slight amount for effect or taste.

a dash of something

Similar to 'a touch', often used for liquids or seasonings.

a smidgen of something

Informal term for a very small amount.

a hint of something

Suggests an almost imperceptible quantity.

a modicum of something

Formal term for a small, limited quantity.

a trickle of something

Describes a very small, slow flow or supply.

a sprinkling of something

Implies scattering a small quantity over a surface.

a grain of something

Refers to a quantity as small as a single grain.

a trace of something

Indicates an extremely small or barely detectable amount.

a fragment of something

Signifies a tiny piece or part of something larger.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "small amounts of something"?

Alternatives include "a touch of something", "a dash of something", or "a hint of something", depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to use "small amounts of something" in formal writing?

Yes, "small amounts of something" is grammatically correct and can be used in formal writing. However, consider using more precise language if possible to enhance clarity.

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

"Small amounts of something" refers to a limited quantity, while "trace amounts of something" implies an extremely small, almost undetectable quantity. "Trace amounts" are often used in scientific or technical contexts.

How do I use "small amounts of something" in a sentence?

You can use "small amounts of something" to describe a limited quantity of a substance or item. For example: "The recipe requires only small amounts of salt." or "Apply small amounts of fertilizer to the plants."