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Meaning & use

small amount

phrase·Everyday

Last updated

UK/ˌsmɔːl əˈmaʊnt/
US/ˌsmɔl əˈmaʊnt/

Meanings

  1. phrasefixed phrase

    A quantity that is not large, especially of something you cannot count one by one, such as sugar, time, or money.

    Grammar: Followed by of and an uncountable noun: a small amount of sugar, not a small amount of eggs.

    Patterns

    • a small amount of something
    • in small amounts

    Add a small amount of salt to the water.

    A small amount of rain fell overnight.

    He saved a small amount of money each month.

  2. phrasefixed phrase

    A low figure or total, especially when compared with what is needed or expected.

    Grammar: Often used with only, such as only a small amount, to stress how little there is.

    Patterns

    • only a small amount
    • a relatively small amount

    Only a small amount of the budget was left for repairs.

    She paid a small amount to join the club.

    Even a small amount of progress is worth celebrating.

Word forms

pluralsmall amounts

Common combinations

a small amount of money
He gave a small amount of money to the charity.
in small amounts
The medicine is safe in small amounts.
a surprisingly small amount
It takes a surprisingly small amount of paint to cover the wall.
only a small amount
Only a small amount of flour is needed.
a small amount of time
We have a small amount of time before the train leaves.

Synonyms and how they differ

a little
A little is shorter and more casual, and it is used before uncountable nouns just as small amount is.
a bit
A bit is informal and often used in speech, while small amount sounds more neutral and suits writing.
a trace
A trace is a tiny quantity that can barely be noticed, so it is smaller than a small amount.
a modicum
A modicum is a formal word for a small but acceptable amount, usually of something good like respect.

Opposites

large amountgreat deal

Word family

amount noun
a quantity of something
amount verb
to add up to a total
small adjective
not large in size or quantity

Commonly confused: small amount or small number?

small amount vs small number

Use small number with things you can count, such as a small number of people, and small amount with things you cannot count, such as a small amount of water.

Practice

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