tiny amount of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tiny amount of" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to a very small quantity of something. Example: "She added a tiny amount of salt to the recipe." Alternative expressions include "small quantity of" and "minimal amount of."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Sprinkle with coarse salt and a tiny amount of sugar.

The New York Times - Health

"That's a tiny amount of money," he said.

The New York Times

"You have this tiny amount of space to sell yourself.

The New York Times - Magazine

They had only a tiny amount of food.

The New York Times - Magazine

They do not mind paying a tiny amount of money every month for health care.

The Economist

Gasification systems can expend a tremendous amount of energy to produce a tiny amount of electricity.

The New York Times

Coarse salt to taste A tiny amount of sugar 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil 1.

The New York Times - Health

When the spins are parallel, the atom has a tiny amount of extra energy.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Note how a tiny amount of matter can produce a huge amount of energy.

The New York Times

The hard bit, unquestionably, has been doing it with a very tiny amount of people.

Independent

Even allowing for perfect ripening, they could produce only "a tiny, tiny, tiny amount of wine".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing measurements or ingredients, use "tiny amount of" to clearly indicate a minimal quantity. For example, "Add a tiny amount of salt to enhance the flavor."

Common error

While "tiny amount of" is widely understood, avoid excessive use in formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise terms like "minimal quantity", "negligible amount", or "trace" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tiny amount of" functions primarily as a determiner phrase modifying a noun. It specifies the quantity of something, indicating that it is very small. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is commonly used across various contexts to denote minimal quantities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Wiki

21%

Science

21%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "tiny amount of" is a versatile phrase used to describe a very small quantity. As verified by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and appears frequently in various contexts, particularly in news, wiki and scientific publications. While it's generally acceptable, more formal alternatives like "minimal quantity" may be preferable in academic or professional settings. Remember to use "a tiny amount" and not "an tiny amount", and be mindful of potential overuse in formal writing. The phrase is useful for downplaying the significance of a small quantity, but it's important to consider the specific context to ensure accuracy and appropriateness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

small quantity of

Emphasizes the limited quantity, interchangeable in many contexts.

minute quantity of

Highlights the extremely small size of the quantity.

trace of

Implies an almost undetectable presence, more focused on detection than volume.

modicum of

Suggests a small but perhaps sufficient amount, adding a nuance of adequacy.

speck of

Emphasizes a very small particle or portion, often used for solids.

iota of

Highlights an extremely small, often immeasurable amount, more emphatic than "tiny".

dash of

Commonly used for liquids or powders added in small amounts, especially in cooking.

hint of

Implies a subtle presence, often used for flavors or qualities.

scant amount of

Stresses the insufficiency or lack of abundance in the amount.

negligible quantity of

Underlines the insignificance of the quantity, often in formal contexts.

FAQs

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

You can use "tiny amount of" to describe a small quantity of something. For example, "She used a tiny amount of fertilizer for her plants."

What can I say instead of "tiny amount of"?

You can use alternatives like "small quantity of", "minute quantity of", or "trace of" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "a tiny amount" or "an tiny amount"?

It is correct to say "a tiny amount". The article "a" is used before consonant sounds, while "an" is used before vowel sounds. "Tiny" begins with a consonant sound.

What is the difference between "tiny amount of" and "small amount of"?

"Tiny amount of" suggests an even smaller quantity than "small amount of". The choice depends on the degree of minimality you wish to convey.