trace amount

USAGE SUMMARY

"trace amount" is a correct and usable phrase in written English, typically used to refer to an imperceptibly small amount.
For example, "Although the pollutant was detected in the water, it was only present in a trace amount."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was a trace amount.

The New York Times - Sports

A microgram represents a trace amount.

The New York Times - Health

And only a trace amount of nicotine".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

A trace amount was detected in a urinalysis.

The New York Times - Sports

He would also like to see drug thresholds reduced to where only a trace amount of medication is permitted.

The Guardian - Sport

"Nothing on the labels of those supplements indicated that they contained a trace amount" of a prohibited substance.

The New York Times - Sports

There is a trace amount of alcohol in this ginger beer, anywhere from 0.2%to0.4%4% in total.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

On urinalysis the patient had a trace amount of blood.

International Journal of Emergency Medicine

Mineral matter with trace amount of fusinite (D1).

International Journal of Coal Science & Technology

However, the acetate was detected in trace amount.

AMB Express

This little device detects even trace amount of gluten in minutes.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "trace amount", ensure the context clearly establishes what substance is present in a small quantity. This adds clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the impact of a "trace amount". While detection might be important, ensure your language accurately reflects that the quantity is minimal and may not have a significant effect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "trace amount" functions primarily as a noun phrase acting as a modifier to specify the quantity of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely accepted. It denotes a very small, often barely detectable, quantity of a substance or element.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

51%

News & Media

47%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "trace amount" is a grammatically sound and widely used noun phrase indicating a very small quantity, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Predominantly found in scientific and news contexts, it serves to precisely quantify minimal quantities. The phrase is best used when emphasizing the extremely small nature of a substance's presence, while avoiding exaggeration of its potential impact. Alternatives like "minimal quantity" or "negligible quantity" can offer nuanced emphasis. It's a versatile term well-suited for both technical and general communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

minimal quantity

Emphasizes the extremely small size of the amount.

negligible quantity

Highlights that the amount is so small it's practically unimportant.

minute quantity

Focuses on the extremely small size of the quantity.

tiny amount

A more informal way to describe a very small amount.

scant amount

Suggests that the amount is insufficient or barely present.

infinitesimal amount

Implies an amount that is so small it is almost impossible to measure.

slight amount

Indicates a small, barely noticeable quantity.

mere hint

Used when referring to something intangible or sensory, like a flavor or scent.

dash

Usually used for liquids or powders, implying a very small addition.

iota

Suggests an extremely small, almost immeasurable amount.

FAQs

How to use "trace amount" in a sentence?

You can use "trace amount" to describe a very small quantity of something. For example, "The test detected a "trace amount" of lead in the water supply."

What can I say instead of "trace amount"?

You can use alternatives like "minimal quantity", "negligible quantity", or "minute quantity" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "trace amount" or "small amount"?

"Trace amount" implies a quantity that is so small it's barely detectable, while "small amount" simply indicates a quantity that is less than average. The correct choice depends on the degree of quantity you wish to convey.

What's the difference between "trace amount" and "residual amount"?

"Trace amount" refers to a very small quantity, while "residual amount" implies an amount remaining after a process. For example, a "residual amount" of pesticide might be left on produce after washing, while a "trace amount" of a rare element might be found in a mineral sample.