a miniature

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a miniature" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is a small version or replica of something else. Example: "She collected a miniature of famous landmarks from around the world."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It's essentially a miniature blowtorch.

The New Yorker

It's a miniature lightning field".

The New York Times - Arts

• INSIDE TRACK: A miniature multitasker.

The New York Times

FREEBIE -- A miniature bat.

The New York Times - Travel

A miniature Brooklyn Bridge.

The New York Times

Like a miniature Fonz.

The Guardian

It's a miniature life.

The Guardian - Arts

It's a miniature schnauzer.

The Guardian - Arts

"A miniature steam train!

The Guardian - Travel

A miniature tree.

The New York Times

Mentions a miniature golf course there.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a miniature" to clearly convey the small size and often the replicated nature of an object, model, or concept. This adds clarity and precision to descriptions, especially when comparing it to a larger original.

Common error

While "a miniature" is versatile, avoid overuse in highly formal or academic writing where more precise or technical terms might be preferable. Consider alternatives like "small-scale", "reduced", or specific measurements depending on the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a miniature" functions primarily as a modifier, specifically an adjective phrase, describing a noun. It indicates that the noun it modifies is a smaller version or replica of something else. Ludwig AI examples demonstrate this usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

17%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a miniature" is a versatile and frequently used descriptor that indicates something is a smaller version or replica of something else. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability across various contexts, most notably in News & Media, Science and Wiki. While "a miniature" is generally neutral in tone, consider more precise language for highly formal writing. Remember to use it when implying both small size and replication, and avoid it when merely describing something naturally small. By understanding these nuances, you can effectively use "a miniature" to add clarity and detail to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a small-scale version

Emphasizes the reduced size and replication of essential features.

a scaled-down model

Highlights the proportional reduction in size while retaining accuracy.

a diminutive replica

Focuses on the small size and replication aspect of the object.

a scaled replica

Implies a proportional reduction in size, suitable for models or copies.

a pocket-sized edition

Suggests something compact and easily portable, like a book or device.

a compact version

Highlights the small size and efficient use of space.

a small-scale representation

Emphasizes the representation of something in a reduced size.

a reduced-size copy

Focuses on replication while acknowledging the smaller size.

a scaled-down representation

Implies proportional scaling, retaining key characteristics.

a tiny version

Highlights the very small size of a reproduction.

FAQs

How can I use "a miniature" in a sentence?

You can use "a miniature" to describe something that is a small version of something else. For instance, "The museum displayed "a miniature replica" of the Eiffel Tower".

What are some alternatives to "a miniature"?

Alternatives to "a miniature" include "a small-scale version", "a tiny replica", or "a compact version", depending on the context.

Is it better to use "a miniature" or "a small"?

While both describe size, "a miniature" often implies a detailed replication, whereas "a small" simply indicates size. Use "a miniature" when the object is a scaled-down copy. For example, you might have "a small car" but "a miniature railway".

When is it inappropriate to use "a miniature"?

Avoid using "a miniature" when describing something that is naturally small and not a scaled-down version of something larger. For example, instead of saying "a miniature ant", you would simply say "a small ant".