small quantity of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "small quantity of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a limited amount of something, often in contexts related to measurements, ingredients, or resources. Example: "For this recipe, you will need a small quantity of salt to enhance the flavor."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Could such a small quantity of quinine cause all this?

The New York Times - Magazine

One knife was found as well as a small quantity of marijuana.

The New York Times

A small quantity of uncooked potato was enough to produce antibodies in mice.

The Guardian

It even smells like one, as glasses are lightly rubbed with a small quantity of ethanol.

The Guardian

Selling a large quantity of diluted cocaine powder, or a small quantity of pure cocaine?

The Guardian - Opinion

In the original design, this is a small quantity of plutonium.

The Guardian

The men demanded drugs and stole a small quantity of cash.

The Guardian

The police found a small quantity of illegal drugs at the scene, but made no arrests.

The New York Times

The rich contribute a very small quantity of money to this.

The Guardian

There may be a small quantity of tetrodotoxin on the premises.

The New Yorker

Mere possession of a relatively small quantity of crack means a five-year sentence.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "small quantity of", be specific about the units if precision is important. For example, instead of "a small quantity of liquid", specify "a small quantity of liquid, such as 5 ml".

Common error

Avoid using "small quantity of" when a more precise measurement is available and relevant. Overusing vague quantifiers can make your writing less informative.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "small quantity of" functions as a determiner phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a limited or reduced amount. It is used to specify that the noun it modifies is present in a restricted measure. Ludwig AI confirms its broad usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

27%

Wiki

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

13%

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "small quantity of" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to indicate a limited amount of something. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is widely used across various contexts, from news and media to scientific publications. While versatile, it's important to consider whether a more precise measurement would provide greater clarity. Alternatives like "small amount of" or "limited quantity of" can also be used depending on the specific meaning you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

small amount of

Replaces "quantity" with "amount", a common synonym.

limited quantity of

Emphasizes the restriction in amount.

tiny amount of

Uses "tiny" to denote an even smaller amount.

modest quantity of

Replaces "small" with "modest", suggesting a moderate limitation.

small supply of

Focuses on the availability of a resource.

insignificant quantity of

Highlights the lack of importance due to the small size.

trace amount of

Indicates an extremely small, barely measurable quantity.

dash of

Typically used for ingredients, suggesting a very small addition.

pinch of

Similar to "dash", often used for spices or powders.

iota of

Refers to an extremely small or insignificant amount.

FAQs

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

You can use "small quantity of" to describe a limited amount of something. For example: "The recipe calls for a "small quantity of" salt".

What are some alternatives to "small quantity of"?

Alternatives include "small amount of", "limited quantity of", or "tiny amount of", depending on the context.

Is it more accurate to say "small quantity of" or "small amount of"?

Both ""small quantity of"" and "small amount of" are generally acceptable. "Quantity" is often used for things that can be counted, while "amount" is used for things that cannot, but the distinction is not always strict.

When should I use a more precise measurement instead of "small quantity of"?

If the exact measurement is crucial for understanding or replicating a process, it's better to use a specific unit of measurement rather than the phrase ""small quantity of"".