A small document

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "A small document" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a document that is physically small in size or has a limited amount of content. Example: "Please submit a small document outlining your project proposal."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Graves also refers us to a small document belonging to Housman that lists "what would seem to be references to a number of male prostitutes, including sailors and ballet-dancers".

The New Yorker

Mr. Jayne reframed a small document in Father Gerth's bedroom: a certificate awarded in 1907 to Father Grieg Taber, a predecessor at the rectory, for saying the catechism perfectly at age 10. "When you're decorating a large house, it helps to put something personal in the extra bedrooms, to give them personality," Mr. Jayne said.

The New York Times

Hereford's copy is occasionally displayed alongside the Mappa Mundi in the cathedral's chained library and has survived along with a small document called the Articuli super Cartas that was sent along with the charter, telling the sheriff of the county how to observe the conditions outlined in the document.

Wikipedia

You may find it helpful to create a small document outlining the type of information you want included on your virtual business card.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

While the questions we can ask are similar to those for patents, journal papers have the advantages of a smaller document size and typically include explicit specification of the key structures being studied with their bioactivity results.

Journal of Cheminformatics

When the unnamed owner decided to toss the painting and salvage the frame, the whole thing snapped and out fell a small folded document.

Huffington Post

Unlike massive resources such as MEDLINE, the SFN annual meeting abstract data provides an ideal 'laboratory' for the use of these techniques on a small, focused document set in the service of a relatively small specific community.

Plosone

But again, we spent most of the visit being shown around a small museum documenting all the times the great leader or general had visited.

The New York Times

Then again, to meet CRA criteria, banks must spend a small fortune documenting their loans for the federal overseers of the CRA.

Forbes

A small boy documented to haunt the terrace is said to have fallen from the roof sometime in the 18th century.

Wikipedia

She went on to explain the fulfillment of volunteer work ordered from above and handed me a small book documenting various volunteering activities in which the students at the Lijiang Institute of Education had participated.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a small document", ensure it accurately reflects the document's length and scope. If the document is not only short but also insignificant, consider using "a minor document" instead.

Common error

Avoid using "a small document" when referring to a file size. Use the phrase to describe the content and length, not the digital footprint. For file size, use terms like 'low-resolution' or 'compressed'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a small document" functions as a noun phrase, with "small" modifying the noun "document". Ludwig's examples show it describing size or scope. The article "a" indicates it's a non-specific instance.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Science

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a small document" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a document of limited size or scope. Ludwig indicates that it is often found in news articles, wikis and scientific literature, with neutral register. The expert rating underscores its correct usage and the quality of sources where it appears. For alternatives, you can consider using "a brief document" or "a concise document" depending on the nuance you want to convey. Remember to use the phrase to describe content, not file size.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A tiny document

Replaces "small" with "tiny", emphasizing the diminutive size of the document.

A little document

Replaces "small" with "little", indicating a similar degree of reduced size or content.

A brief document

Indicates conciseness and succinctness, similar to a "small document".

A short document

Replaces "small" with "short", focusing on the document's brevity.

A concise document

Emphasizes the document is to the point and avoids unnecessary details.

A minor document

Replaces "small" with "minor", suggesting the document is of lesser importance or length.

A slim document

Replaces "small" with "slim", often indicating a thin or concise document.

A compact document

Implies the document is efficiently organized and doesn't waste space or words.

A limited document

Replaces "small" with "limited", highlighting that the content or scope is restricted.

A small booklet

Replaces "document" with "booklet", implying a shorter, bound collection of pages.

FAQs

What does "a small document" typically refer to?

The phrase "a small document" typically refers to a document that is concise, short in length, or limited in scope. It describes the content and size of the document rather than its file size.

What are some alternatives to "a small document"?

You can use alternatives like "a brief document", "a concise document", or "a short document" depending on the specific context. These options emphasize different aspects of the document's characteristics.

Is it appropriate to use "a small document" in formal writing?

Yes, "a small document" is generally acceptable in formal writing, especially when accurately describing a document's length or scope. However, ensure that your word choice accurately reflects the document's characteristics.

How can I clarify the type of "a small document" I am referring to?

To provide more context, specify the nature of the document. For example, you could say "a small research document", "a small legal document", or "a small instructional document".