the smallest quantity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the smallest quantity" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the least amount of something in a specific context, such as measurements, values, or amounts. Example: "In this experiment, we need to measure the smallest quantity of the chemical to ensure accuracy."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

The smallest quantity of basil whether purple-edged Thai, spicy Cinnamon, tiny-leafed Greek, or simple Italian will make a salad glorious and, even better, render its grower beside herself with pride.

The New Yorker

Mr. Sheehan said that the amount measured was tiny, about the smallest quantity detectable, but another test would be needed to be certain if there was any strontium 90 at all.

The New York Times

"Each choice a plant makes is based on this type of calculation: what is the smallest quantity of resources that will serve to solve the problem?" Mancuso and Viola write in their book.

The Guardian

Using diethyl ether yields the smallest quantity of asphaltenes but they creates the most viscous solutions.

Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering

Resolution refers to the smallest quantity of energy that a system can measure.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Here, sensitivity is defined as the smallest quantity of input RNA molecules required for a gene to be confidently called.

Clinical and Translational Medicine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

Iraq said that the small quantity of agent remaining after the gulf war was unilaterally destroyed in the summer of 1991.

The New York Times

Given the choice between one live shrimp and two dead shrimp, the cuttlefish also opted for the smaller quantity.

The Guardian

The release of the small quantity of fission products, analyzed elsewhere, results in negligible doses.

Nuclear Engineering and Design

The evolution of these variables is lineal, taking into account the small quantity of spilled energy.

Journal of Modern Power Systems and Clean Energy

In addition, structural changes are more likely to occur due to the small quantity.

Journal of Economic Structures

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the smallest quantity", ensure the context clearly defines what is being measured or considered. For example, specify units (e.g., "the smallest quantity of reagent in milliliters").

Common error

Avoid using "the smallest quantity" in everyday conversation where simpler terms like "the least amount" or "the tiniest bit" would sound more natural. It's generally more suitable for formal or technical writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the smallest quantity" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically acts as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence, referring to the minimum or least amount of something. Ludwig AI indicates this phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

68%

News & Media

20%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the smallest quantity" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to denote the minimum amount of something, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It is most commonly found in scientific and formal contexts, where precision is valued. While versatile, it should be used judiciously in informal settings where simpler alternatives like ""the least amount"" or ""the tiniest bit"" may be more appropriate. Ludwig's examples highlight its usage in various fields, from science to news, emphasizing its role in specifying minimal requirements or measured values.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the minimum amount

Replaces "quantity" with "amount", emphasizing a measured portion instead of a general existence.

the least quantity

Synonymous substitution of "smallest" for "least".

the minimal quantity

Substitutes "smallest" with "minimal", highlighting the bare minimum required.

the tiniest amount

Replaces both "smallest" and "quantity" with more informal terms, "tiniest" and "amount" respectively.

the lowest volume

Focuses on the volumetric aspect of a substance, suitable for liquids or gases.

the trace amount

Implies a very small, almost undetectable amount, often used in scientific contexts.

the fractional part

Highlights a portion or a fraction of a complete unit, with small amount.

the merest fraction

Emphasizes an extremely tiny part of a whole.

the lower limit

Indicates a threshold or boundary below which something is not considered valid or effective.

the base level

Referring to the lowest or starting point, typically in scientific and data-driven contexts.

FAQs

How can I use "the smallest quantity" in a sentence?

You can use "the smallest quantity" to refer to the minimum amount of something needed or available. For example: "The experiment requires "the smallest quantity" of the chemical to produce accurate results."

What's a more common way to say "the smallest quantity"?

Alternatives include "the least amount", "the minimal quantity", or "the tiniest bit" depending on the context and desired level of formality.

When is it appropriate to use "the smallest quantity"?

This phrase is appropriate in formal writing, scientific reports, and technical manuals where precision is important. In casual conversation, simpler alternatives may be preferred.

Is there a difference between "the smallest quantity" and "the minimum quantity"?

While they are very similar, "the smallest quantity" may imply a physical amount, while "the minimum quantity" often refers to a required threshold or a lower limit. Choose the phrase that best fits the context.