small quantities

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "small quantities" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to amounts of something that are not very large. For example, "I only need small quantities of flour for this recipe."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedia

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Gold is found in small quantities.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Chromite is also mined in small quantities.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"We make everything in small quantities.

The New York Times

Mini bowl for small quantities or baby food.

The Guardian - Money

You can experiment, starting with very small quantities.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"Children begin with small quantities," said Baktogul Raspayeva.

The New York Times

Some of the best versions are made in small quantities.

The New York Times - Food

It's all about making small quantities into good meals.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Diners chose small quantities, like tasting portions, of each dish.

The New York Times - Travel

Then there are the "mules", individuals who carry small quantities.

The Economist

In small quantities, these ions are needed for energy metabolism.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing precise measurements, specify the units (e.g., "small quantities of 5-10 grams") for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "small quantities" as a vague term in scientific or technical writing. Always provide specific numerical values when possible to enhance precision.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "small quantities" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as an object or complement within a sentence. It describes the limited amount of something. Ludwig AI examples show it used to describe amounts of gold, chemicals, food, and even abstract concepts like progress.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

31%

Wiki

22%

Science

22%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "small quantities" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe limited amounts of something. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its correct usage across diverse contexts, including news, science, and encyclopedias. While versatile, it's best to provide specific measurements when precision is needed. Consider alternatives like "limited amounts" or "modest portions" for nuanced expression. Overall, "small quantities" serves as a clear and widely understood term for indicating scarcity or moderation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Limited amounts

Focuses on the restriction of the quantity.

Modest portions

Emphasizes the size of servings or allocations.

Minute volumes

Highlights the tiny size of the amounts.

Tiny increments

Implies a gradual increase in small steps.

Sparse amounts

Suggests that the amounts are thinly distributed.

Nominal quantities

Indicates the amount is so small it's almost insignificant.

Negligible amounts

Stresses that the amounts are insignificant or unimportant.

Trace amounts

Used to describe extremely small, almost undetectable quantities.

Small proportions

Emphasizes the ratio or fraction of the total.

Reduced quantities

Implies that the quantities have been lessened or decreased.

FAQs

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

You can use "small quantities" to describe amounts that are not very large. For example, "Only "small quantities" of the chemical are needed for the reaction."

What are some alternatives to "small quantities"?

Alternatives include phrases like "limited amounts", "modest portions", or "tiny increments", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "small quantities" or "small amount"?

"Small quantities" is generally used for countable items or substances that can be measured in discrete units, whereas "small amount" is used for uncountable substances or general concepts.

In what contexts is "small quantities" most appropriate?

"Small quantities" is appropriate in various contexts, including recipes, scientific experiments, and discussions about economics or resources. Its suitability depends on the need to convey a limited amount of something.