smallest amount of

USAGE SUMMARY

"smallest amount of" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it in a sentence to refer to the least possible amount of something. For example, "I ate the smallest amount of cake possible."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The smallest amount of energy can have a capital importance.

The Guardian - Sport

The smallest amount of water can change its texture.

The New Yorker

And even the smallest amount of baking can bring its own cheer.

The New York Times

On my first viewing, I spent the smallest amount of time in this room.

The Guardian - Arts

It took me the smallest amount of trial and error to learn my way around Zillow.

The New York Times - Tech

"That was the smallest amount of compassion I could come up with.

The New York Times - Sports

You're encouraged to accept the smallest amount of loans needed for the year.

University of California, Berkeley

They were going to arrest everybody they found even with the smallest amount of cannabis.

The Guardian

It was the smallest amount of time travel "Doctor Who" ever had to do.

The New York Times - Arts

It will likely need a little more salt and the smallest amount of pepper.

Independent

"The smallest amount of citric acid powder is needed to replicate an actual fruit on the palate.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for precision, consider whether "smallest amount of" accurately reflects the context. "Least amount of" or "minimum quantity of" might be more suitable in certain formal or technical settings.

Common error

While grammatically sound, using "smallest amount of" in casual conversation can sound overly formal. Opt for simpler alternatives like "least bit" or "tiniest amount" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "smallest amount of" functions as a determiner phrase that modifies a noun, specifying the minimum quantity of something. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in various contexts to denote the least possible quantity, like "the smallest amount of energy" or "the smallest amount of compassion."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "smallest amount of" is a versatile determiner phrase used to specify the minimum quantity of something across various contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage. While generally neutral in register, it can lean towards formal depending on the context. Common alternatives include "least quantity of" and "minimum quantity of", with more informal options like "tiniest bit of" also available. It's advisable to avoid overuse in extremely casual contexts where simpler alternatives may sound more natural. The authoritative sources from Ludwig's data showcase its prevalence in news, science, and general reference materials.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

least quantity of

Replaces "amount" with "quantity", emphasizing discreteness rather than continuous measurement.

minimum quantity of

Substitutes "smallest" with "minimum", suggesting a lower limit or threshold.

tiniest bit of

Uses "tiniest bit" for a more informal and colloquial expression of a very small quantity.

slightest degree of

Shifts the focus to intensity or degree rather than quantity, implying even a minimal presence.

negligible quantity of

Emphasizes that the amount is so small as to be unimportant or not worth considering.

barest minimum of

Highlights that the quantity is at the absolute lowest level possible.

mere trace of

Implies that the amount is so small it is almost undetectable.

paltry sum of

Indicates the amount is small and also insignificant or worthless.

scant measure of

Emphasizes the inadequacy or insufficiency of the small quantity.

minute fraction of

Conveys that the amount is a very small part of a larger whole.

FAQs

How can I use "smallest amount of" in a sentence?

You can use "smallest amount of" to describe the minimum quantity of something, as in, "Use the "least amount of water" to dissolve the powder."

What is a more formal alternative to "smallest amount of"?

A more formal alternative is "minimum quantity of", which is suitable for technical or academic writing.

What's the difference between "smallest amount of" and "least amount of"?

While both phrases are similar, "smallest amount of" implies a precise measurement, while "least amount of" is more general and indicates the lowest possible quantity.

Is it correct to say "tiniest amount of" instead of "smallest amount of"?

Yes, "tiniest amount of" is a correct and more informal alternative to "smallest amount of", suitable for casual contexts.