a reportedly small

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a reportedly small" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing something that is said to be small based on reports or sources, often in a context where the size is relevant to the discussion. Example: "The company announced a reportedly small increase in profits this quarter, surprising many analysts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Despite a reportedly small media spend, the video reached over 800 million viewers, and generated an earned media value of £3.2 million.

Forbes

Following an acquisition by FTD Companies earlier this year for a reportedly small amount of cash, on-demand flower service BloomThat is pausing its services as it works "to figure out how to best integrate BloomThat as part of the FTD portfolio of brands," the founders wrote to its customers a few days ago.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

A network diameter, defined as the average minimal path between two nodes, is reportedly small (~6 7) in a PPI network [ 9, 10].

BMC Genomics

In most cases, these were reportedly small tumors discovered as a result of protocol-specified thyroid surveillance testing, which is not routinely recommended in clinical practice.

Diabetes, Metabolic Syndrome and Obesity: Targets and Therapy

6 7 At present, a variety of interventions have been studied with reportedly small but significant benefits such as drug therapy, 8 10 which are not free of adverse effects.

BMJ Open

For MeHg, microbial production within the stream channel also is a potential source of FMeHg, although in-channel MeHg production is reportedly small relative to watershed inputs.

Environmental Science & Technology

Though the number of hecklers was reportedly small, Mr. Morsi's decision to stay away was a reminder of the challenges he faces as the country's first Islamist leader navigating Egypt's deeply polarized politics.

The New York Times

You have to hand it to former FBI Director James Comey: He knows a good way to troll Donald Trump is to bring up the president's reportedly small hands.

Huffington Post

The number of older adults who are alcoholics is reportedly small.

The New York Times - Health

In truth, the percentage of fertilizer used in bombs compared with the amount in legitimate farming is reportedly small.

The New York Times

The protests in Damascus and Aleppo were reportedly small, and both cities — Syria's largest — have remained relatively quiet during the uprising.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a reportedly small", ensure the source of the report is credible or clearly identified, if possible. This strengthens the validity of the statement.

Common error

Avoid using "a reportedly small" when the size is, in fact, significant. Misrepresenting a notable amount as 'reportedly small' can mislead the audience and undermine your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a reportedly small" functions as a pre-modifier, specifically an adjective phrase, describing the size of something. It indicates that the smallness is based on indirect information or claims, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a reportedly small" is a phrase used to describe something as being small based on reports or claims, rather than direct observation. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and can be used in a variety of contexts, especially in News & Media and Scientific writing. While it's important to use this phrase accurately, it provides a useful way to attribute information and acknowledge the source of the assessment. Remember to choose alternative wording like "allegedly minor" or "purportedly insignificant", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an allegedly minor

Replaces 'reportedly' with 'allegedly', indicating a claim that might not be proven.

a purportedly insignificant

Substitutes 'small' with 'insignificant' and 'reportedly' with 'purportedly', conveying a sense of something claimed to be unimportant.

a seemingly limited

Uses 'seemingly' instead of 'reportedly' and 'limited' instead of 'small', suggesting an apparent restriction.

an apparently modest

Replaces 'reportedly' with 'apparently' and 'small' with 'modest', indicating something that appears unassuming.

a reputedly negligible

Swaps 'reportedly' for 'reputedly' and 'small' for 'negligible', implying something insignificant based on reputation.

a claimed minimal

Employs 'claimed' instead of 'reportedly' and 'minimal' instead of 'small', suggesting a contended smallness.

an estimated diminutive

Uses 'estimated' for 'reportedly' and 'diminutive' for 'small', indicating a calculated estimate of small size.

a presumptively tiny

Replaces 'reportedly' with 'presumptively' and 'small' with 'tiny', implying a presumed smallness.

an ostensible slight

Substitutes 'reportedly' with 'ostensible' and 'small' with 'slight', conveying an outwardly small appearance.

a supposed little

Uses 'supposed' instead of 'reportedly' and 'little' instead of 'small', suggesting something that is believed to be small but may not be.

FAQs

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

You can use "a reportedly small" when describing something that is said to be small according to reports or sources. For example, "The company announced "a reportedly small increase" in profits this quarter".

What phrases are similar to "a reportedly small"?

Alternatives to "a reportedly small" include "an allegedly minor", "a purportedly insignificant", or "a seemingly limited" depending on the context and nuance you want to convey.

When should I avoid using "a reportedly small"?

Avoid using "a reportedly small" if you have definitive data showing that the size is not actually small or if the reported smallness is misleading or downplaying a significant amount.

What is the difference between "a reportedly small" and "a supposedly small"?

"A reportedly small" indicates that information suggests the size is small, based on reports. "A supposedly small", on the other hand, implies that the smallness is questionable or unconfirmed. You may consider using "a supposedly small" when there is skepticism about the accuracy of claim of smallness.