a deceptively small

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a deceptively small" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that appears small but has greater significance or impact than it seems. Example: "The box was a deceptively small package, containing a powerful device that could change the industry."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

It ranges in weight from 2.25 to 5.5 lbs (1-2.5 kg), so it's a deceptively small and cuddly-looking little pest wherever it has been introduced by humans.

Columbia University

4 p.m. 7) Energy Break Housed in a roadside stand, Don Pepe (701 Chapala Street; 805-730-1612) is a deceptively small restaurant that surprises with its impeccably fresh seafood and Mexican fare.

The New York Times - Travel

To set the record straight on a deceptively small but pivotal point, the Buffett Early Childhood Fund invests in early education and care from birth and even before (David L. Kirp, July 23).

The New York Times

Darth Maul had a deceptively small part to play in The Phantom Menace, killing Obi-Wan's mentor before Obi sliced him in two and tossed him down a gaping reactor shaft.

Forbes

The handout I most recall was a deceptively small red pamphlet of twenty pages or so titled The REAL Bible.

Huffington Post

On the other hand, a deceptively small line for the Arc De Triomphe ended up taking an exceedingly long time to clear.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

I have confessed to my own absurd dealings with liver because it points up something that I was aware of long before Archie came along: Prejudice is an assortment of deceptively small personal judgments -- deceptive because of their great cost in our daily lives.

Huffington Post

The display is deceptively small, occupying just a single room of the cultural center.

The New York Times

But there is a new book that can help remedy the confusion: similar to the viruses it describes, this deceptively small book makes a big impact.

The Guardian

Fred Armisen's office at "Saturday Night Live" is deceptively small, barely big enough to fit a desk, a couch and an iPod.

The New York Times - Arts

Theirs was an eminently pragmatic philosophy, based on deceptively small questions such as: "How are you living your daily life?" These thinkers emphasised that great change only happens when we begin with the mundane and doable.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a deceptively small" to create intrigue or highlight a contrast between appearance and reality. For example, "The room was a deceptively small space, but it contained a vast library."

Common error

Avoid using "a deceptively small" when simply describing the size of something without intending to imply any hidden qualities or surprises. Stick to more straightforward descriptions like "small" or "compact".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a deceptively small" functions as a pre-modifier, specifically an adverb-adjective combination, used to describe a noun. It indicates that the size of the noun is misleading, suggesting that it is more significant or impactful than its size would suggest. This is supported by Ludwig examples which show how it is commonly used to introduce an element of surprise or irony.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Academia

14%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a deceptively small" is a grammatically sound and versatile expression used to describe something that appears smaller or less significant than it actually is. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and correctness. Predominantly found in news and media, it effectively adds intrigue and highlights the difference between appearance and reality. Alternatives include "surprisingly compact" or "misleadingly tiny". Although versatile, avoid using it in literal contexts where there are no hidden or unexpected elements. The phrase serves to engage the audience by revealing something unexpected from an item with a small size.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

smaller than it seems

Directly contrasts the perceived size with the actual size or impact.

misleadingly tiny

Highlights the misleading nature of the small size, suggesting it hides the true capacity or importance.

surprisingly compact

Emphasizes the unexpected compactness, focusing on the element of surprise.

deceptively petite

Replaces "small" with "petite" to emphasize daintiness, while retaining the deceptive aspect.

belies its size

Indicates that the size is not indicative of its power or capability.

appears insignificant but...

Sets up a contrast between the initial appearance of insignificance and a subsequent revelation of importance.

unassuming in size

Highlights that the size doesn't draw attention to itself.

looks can be deceiving

A more general phrase that highlights the misleading nature of appearances.

ostensibly small

Uses "ostensibly" to convey that the small size is only apparent, not necessarily real.

facade of smallness

Implies the small size is a facade, concealing something larger or more significant.

FAQs

How can I use "a deceptively small" in a sentence?

You can use "a deceptively small" to describe something that appears small but has greater significance or impact than it seems. For example: "The device was "a deceptively small package", yet it contained immense power."

What are some alternatives to "a deceptively small"?

Alternatives include "surprisingly compact", "misleadingly tiny", or "smaller than it seems" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "a deceptively small"?

Yes, the phrase "a deceptively small" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English to describe something that appears smaller or less significant than it actually is.

When should I use "a deceptively small" versus "surprisingly small"?

"A deceptively small" suggests that the size is misleading in some way, while "surprisingly small" simply highlights the unexpected smallness. Use "a deceptively small" when the small size hides something important.