a little visit

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a little visit" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a short or brief visit to someone or somewhere. Example: "I thought I would make a little visit to my grandmother this weekend."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

"Just give the courtyard a little visit.

The New Yorker

Dad and I had a little visit, but he was having a rough time breathing.

The New York Times

"Then a little visit to Greenport, a gala dinner in a mansion and back to Kennedy.

The New York Times

When she dreams occasionally of her first husband, it's in a detached, friendly way—"like a little visit".

The New Yorker

Two gang members pay him a little visit at the embassy, leaning their Harleys against the marble steps outside, then pushing their way through the front door.

The New Yorker

He has started a petition campaign calling on MSNBC to replace Keith Olbermann, one of its prime-time hosts, with, oddly, the paleo-liberal Phil Donahue; he recently threatened a caller to his radio show — someone who mentioned Olbermann's name — with "a little visit" from "Fox security".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

Raydale Recommended by Gary, this route explores a little visited corner of Yorkshire.

Independent

Sir Peter found a perfect vantage point for his camera to observe the serio-comic menace confronting a couple (Vivien Merchant and Michael Jayston) who drop in on his thuggish yet weirdly literate brothers and father for an unpleasant little visit.

The New York Times - Arts

"What was especially interesting to me was that we were working in a period little visited by film and literature, the period right before the dictatorship," said the actress and singer Soledad Villamil, who plays Judge Irene Menéndez Hastings.

The New York Times

Visiting this room is a little like visiting Monument Park in Yankee Stadium.

The New York Times - Sports

A little less visited?

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a little visit" when you want to emphasize the casual and brief nature of an encounter or trip. It's suitable for informal contexts and everyday conversations.

Common error

Avoid using "a little visit" in formal or professional settings where more precise and professional language is preferred. Consider alternatives like "a brief meeting" or "a short consultation" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a little visit" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the object of a verb (e.g., "pay a little visit") or as a complement describing an event. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Wiki

12%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

4%

Academia

4%

Encyclopedias

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a little visit" is a grammatically sound and relatively common expression used to describe a brief and often informal encounter or trip. According to Ludwig, the phrase is considered correct and suitable for everyday language. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts, as well as on wikis, but less so in formal academic or scientific writing. When using "a little visit", consider the context to ensure it aligns with the intended tone. For more formal settings, alternative phrases such as "a brief meeting" or "a short consultation" may be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a brief stop

Emphasizes the brevity and short duration of the visit.

a short stay

Highlights the temporary nature of the visit, focusing on the duration.

a quick call

Suggests a brief and informal visit, often for a specific purpose.

a fleeting visit

Conveys a sense of transience and the short-lived nature of the visit.

a passing call

Implies a casual visit made while traveling or passing by.

a small excursion

Focuses on the visit as a journey or trip, though brief.

a flying trip

Indicates a very rapid and often unplanned visit.

a short pilgrimage

A blend of literal and figurative. Can be used to say that a trip was specifically arranged to visit a special place.

a cursory call

It's more formal, less frequent, and a brief and superficial visit is performed.

a whistle-stop tour

Highlights a series of very brief visits to multiple locations.

FAQs

How can I use "a little visit" in a sentence?

You can use "a little visit" to describe a short, informal visit. For example, "I decided to pay "a little visit" to my friend's new apartment over the weekend."

What are some alternatives to "a little visit"?

Alternatives to "a little visit" include "a brief stop", "a short stay", or "a quick call", depending on the context.

Is "a little visit" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "a little visit" is generally considered informal. For formal writing, consider using phrases like "a brief consultation" or "a short meeting" for a more professional tone.

What's the difference between "a short visit" and "a little visit"?

"A short visit" and "a little visit" are quite similar, but "a little visit" often implies a more casual and informal interaction, whereas "a short visit" is more neutral.