small in quantity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "small in quantity" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that has a small amount or number. Example: The company's profits were small in quantity, but they were enough to cover their expenses for the month.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

These concepts are small in quantity and great in generality and tightly related to the category labels.

Pattern Recognition Letters

So it was with regret for the report to note that radioactive wastes were "too small in quantity today to irradiate anything but a small area".

Energy, Sustainability and Society

The hazardous pollutants though small in quantity but contain highly toxic materials like lead, mercury, arsenic, cadmium, chromium and many more.

Journal of Industrial Engineering International

(Well) Their lives were distressingly small in quantity, but glowingly large in quality.

Huffington Post

Your giving, even if small in quantity, can make a big difference to both the people you help today, and the person you will be tomorrow.

Huffington Post

Other pollutants — thermal effluent, heavy metals, and radioactivity, have been likewise relatively small in quantity (some local exceptions) and biological impact [73], [76].

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

less means smaller in quantity, eg less money; fewer means smaller in number, eg fewer coins.

The Guardian

Movement of high-value, high-status items — silks and other textiles, ceramics, spices, fruit, precious metals and jewels — was smaller in quantity but caught the eye of commentators as well as consumers.

Huffington Post

This one zeroes in on four major talents, presenting their often small paintings in quantity, which is rare.

The New York Times - Arts

Likewise, estrogens -- the primary sex hormones in females -- are also present in small quantities in males in smaller amounts.

Huffington Post

Additional settlement exports include foods and wines sold in small quantities in kosher grocery stores in the United States.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "small in quantity", ensure it aligns with the subject. For countable items use "few in number", while for measurable substances, "small in amount" is appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "small in quantity" when referring to countable items. Instead, opt for "few in number" or "a small number of" to maintain grammatical accuracy and clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "small in quantity" primarily functions as an adjective phrase. Ludwig AI indicates it's grammatically correct and used to describe something that has a limited amount or number.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

45%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "small in quantity" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to indicate that something is limited in amount or number. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage, highlighting its role in describing scarcity or insufficiency. While adaptable to various contexts, it's most frequently found in scientific, news-related, and general discussions. When employing this phrase, ensure it aligns with the subject; use "few in number" for countable items and "small in amount" for measurable substances. Be mindful of contexts where alternative expressions like "limited in amount" or "in short supply" might provide greater nuance or clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

In short supply

Expresses the limited availability of something.

Limited in amount

Focuses on the constraint in the total sum or measure of something.

Few in number

Focuses on the reduced count of items.

Scarce in number

Emphasizes the insufficient count or tally of items.

Meager in amount

Emphasizes the insufficiency or scantiness of something.

Minimal in size

Highlights the reduced dimensions or proportions.

Reduced in volume

Specifies a decrease in the space occupied.

Lacking in volume

Highlights the deficiency in the space occupied.

Low in supply

Draws attention to the limited availability or stock.

Deficient in measure

Indicates a shortfall or inadequacy in the extent or degree.

FAQs

What does "small in quantity" mean?

The phrase "small in quantity" means that something exists in a limited or reduced amount. It indicates a scarcity or lack of abundance.

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

You can use "small in quantity" to describe various things. For example: "The amount of rainfall this year was "small in quantity", leading to a drought."

What are some alternatives to "small in quantity"?

Some alternatives to "small in quantity" include "limited in amount", "scarce in number", and "in short supply".

Is it better to say "small in quantity" or "few in number"?

The best choice depends on the context. Use "small in quantity" for things that are measured (like water or resources) and "few in number" for things that are counted (like people or objects).