smidgen of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "smidgen of" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe a very small amount of something. Example: "She added a smidgen of salt to the recipe." Alternative expressions include "a pinch of" and "a tad of."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I can't even find a smidgen of a youtube video.

Stanford University

A smidgen of sex and a spot of inhaling.

The New York Times

There may be a smidgen of political calculus there.

The Economist

For now, though, there's a smidgen of help.

The New York Times

Not a smidgen of anxiety on his face.

The Guardian - Film

We carry inside our cells a smidgen of Neanderthal DNA.

The Guardian

Dogs, pigs and chickens ate every smidgen of organic matter.

The New York Times - Travel

Hakeem Olajuwon has a smidgen of the Dream Shake left.

The New York Times - Sports

Next to go will be the weekly smidgen of lamb.

The New York Times

Delete Lax from your title to give a smidgen of truth to this article.

Harvard University

Women and children appear in "Faster," but they add only a smidgen of humanity.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "smidgen of" to add a touch of informality to your writing while still maintaining clarity. This phrase works well when describing small quantities of tangible or intangible things.

Common error

While "smidgen of" is widely understood, it can sound out of place in highly formal or technical writing. Opt for more precise terms like "trace amount" or "negligible quantity" in such situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "smidgen of" primarily functions as a determiner followed by a noun, modifying the noun to indicate a small or negligible amount. This is consistent with Ludwig AI's analysis and numerous examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Academia

13%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "smidgen of" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to indicate a small quantity or degree. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's most commonly found in news and media, and academia, adding a touch of informality while clearly conveying the message of a minimal amount. While versatile, remember to consider the context: for highly formal or technical writing, opt for more precise alternatives. With its widespread use and clear meaning, "smidgen of" remains a valuable part of the English lexicon.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a tiny bit of

Emphasizes the extremely small amount, focusing on the "tiny" aspect.

a touch of

Suggests a delicate or subtle addition, often used in cooking or abstract qualities.

a hint of

Implies a subtle presence or suggestion, more often used for intangible things like flavors or emotions.

a dash of

Commonly used in cooking, referring to a quick, small addition of an ingredient.

a trace of

Indicates a very small amount that is barely detectable.

a speck of

Refers to a minute particle or amount, often something physical.

a modicum of

Implies a small but sufficient amount, often used in formal contexts.

an iota of

Emphasizes an extremely small, almost immeasurable quantity.

a fragment of

Suggests a small broken-off piece, implying incompleteness.

a soupçon of

A French-derived term implying a very slight amount, often used in culinary contexts.

FAQs

How can I use "smidgen of" in a sentence?

You can use "smidgen of" to describe a very small amount of something, for example: "She added a "smidgen of" salt to the soup" or "He showed not even a "smidgen of" remorse".

What can I say instead of "smidgen of"?

You can use alternatives like "a tiny bit of", "a touch of", or "a hint of" depending on the context.

Is "smidgen of" appropriate for formal writing?

While generally acceptable, "smidgen of" might be too informal for highly formal or technical writing. Consider using more precise or formal alternatives like "trace amount" or "negligible quantity" in those contexts.

What's the difference between "smidgen of" and "iota of"?

"Smidgen of" and "iota of" both denote a very small amount, but "iota of" often emphasizes an almost immeasurable quantity and tends to be used in more formal or literary contexts.