trace amounts of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "trace amounts of" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in scientific or technical contexts to refer to very small quantities of a substance. Example: "The water sample contained trace amounts of lead, which raised concerns about its safety for consumption."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It may contain trace amounts of contaminants.

The New York Times - Magazine

But some vaccines still contain trace amounts of Thimerosal.

The New York Times

Mostly asbestos, it would seem, with trace amounts of donkey.

The New Yorker

All of these sediments contain trace amounts of iron.

The New York Times

Another inexpensive option is Nature2, a system that delivers trace amounts of silver to kill bacteria and trace amounts of copper to fight algae.

The New York Times

During the shutdown, trace amounts of tritium, a radioactive isotope, were released into the atmosphere.

The New York Times

You couldn't tolerate trace amounts of jelly in the peanut-butter jar.

The New Yorker

The cottonwoods are emitting just trace amounts of mercury, Mr. Glass said.

The New York Times

Like all organic molecules, crystallines contain carbon, including trace amounts of the radioactive isotope carbon-14.

The New Yorker

Only trace amounts of ash had been reported from Pavlof eruptions since 1996.

The Guardian

When the researchers examined the andro they had used, they found trace amounts of the metabolite.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing scientific findings, use "trace amounts of" to accurately convey the presence of a substance without exaggerating its quantity or impact. This adds precision and credibility to your writing.

Common error

Avoid implying that "trace amounts of" a substance automatically pose a significant threat or benefit. Always contextualize the amount and its potential effects based on evidence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "trace amounts of" functions as a qualifier, specifically a determiner phrase, modifying a noun. It indicates that the noun it modifies is present in a very small, often barely measurable, quantity. Ludwig AI examples show it commonly precedes nouns like "contaminants", "iron", "tritium", etc.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "trace amounts of" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe the presence of something in a very small quantity. Ludwig AI confirms its prevalent use across diverse domains, particularly within science and news media. When writing, use this phrase to accurately convey small quantities without exaggerating significance, and remember to contextualize its implications appropriately. Considering its broad applicability, "trace amounts of" is a versatile and useful addition to any writer's vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

minimal quantity of

Emphasizes the smallness of the amount.

negligible amount of

Highlights that the amount is so small it's almost insignificant.

small quantity of

A more general term for a small amount.

minute quantity of

Indicates an extremely small amount, perhaps requiring precise measurement.

slight amount of

Implies the amount is barely perceptible.

scant amount of

Suggests that the amount is insufficient or lacking.

a hint of

Used often for sensory experiences, like taste or smell.

a speck of

Conveys a tiny, almost invisible amount.

a touch of

Similar to "a hint of", but can apply more broadly.

vestiges of

Implies the amounts are remnants of something that was once more substantial.

FAQs

How do I use "trace amounts of" in a sentence?

Use "trace amounts of" to describe the presence of something in a very small quantity. For example: "The sample contained "trace amounts of" a specific compound."

What are some alternatives to "trace amounts of"?

Alternatives include "minimal quantity of", "negligible amount of", or "small quantity of", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "trace amount of" instead of "trace amounts of"?

While "trace amount of" might be used informally, "trace amounts of" is generally more accurate when referring to a quantity that, though small, can still be plural or non-countable, following standard English grammar.

When should I use "trace amounts of" versus "significant amounts of"?

Use "trace amounts of" when the quantity is very small and potentially near the detection limit. Use "significant amounts of" when the quantity is substantial enough to have a measurable or noticeable effect.