a small angle

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a small angle" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to geometry, physics, or any situation where angles are being discussed, typically to describe an angle that measures less than a right angle. Example: "In this triangle, we can see that angle A is a small angle, measuring only 30 degrees."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Academia

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

A small angle scattering perspective.

Nature

So a small angle of release is ideal, although not too small an angle.

MIT Technology Review

It can only be rotated by a small angle only because it won't otherwise it will go backwards.

University of California, Berkeley

The ball of its foot propels it forward when I rapidly rotate the pot by a small angle.

University of California, Berkeley

Optimal overall metal artefact reduction can be achieved with a small angle from anteroinferior to posterosuperior.

The Knee

Such a small angle of divergence will produce a one-metre spot at a distance of one kilometre.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

Is there no sign of a small-angle galactic black hole jet?

Harvard University

H. J. Woods5, on the other hand, has observed a small-angle spot for jute very near that observed by Sen and Roy.

Nature

This telescope is a prototype for a small-angle luminosity monitor, the Pixel Luminosity Telescope (PLT), for CMS.

Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section A: Accelerators, Spectrometers, Detectors and Associated Equipment

Five MCP-PMTs are installed in two columns along the OTPC cylinder in a small-angle stereo configuration.

Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section A: Accelerators, Spectrometers, Detectors and Associated Equipment

A small-angle peak has been found by X-ray scattering measurements on the dry dragline silk of Nephila clavipes.

Polymer

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing physical setups or experimental designs, clearly specify the magnitude or range of "a small angle" for clarity. For example, mention if it's a few degrees or a fraction of a degree.

Common error

Avoid using "a small angle" without providing context or numerical values when precision is necessary. Always quantify the angle if the application demands it. Otherwise, consider more descriptive alternatives if the exact value is not relevant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a small angle" functions primarily as a descriptive noun phrase. It describes an angle whose magnitude is considered small relative to a standard of comparison, or in absolute terms. Ludwig shows many examples in scientific contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

45%

Academia

25%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

News & Media

8%

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a small angle" is a grammatically sound and very common expression used across a variety of contexts, as confirmed by Ludwig. While straightforward, it's most effective when the degree of smallness is clear. Quantifying the angle or using more descriptive alternatives can enhance precision, especially in scientific or technical writing. The frequency of use and grammatical correctness suggest that "a small angle" is a valuable term when accuracy allows and is highly suggested by Ludwig.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a slight angle

Indicates a minor degree of inclination, similar to a small angle but emphasizing the barely perceptible nature.

a narrow angle

Focuses on the limited space between two lines or surfaces, akin to a small angle in its restriction.

a tight angle

Suggests an angle that is constrained or close, similar to a small angle in its compactness.

a low angle

Emphasizes the angle's position relative to a horizontal plane, resembling a small angle in its reduced elevation.

a minimal angle

Highlights the insignificance or near absence of the angle, mirroring the reduced scale of a small angle.

an acute angle

A more technical term, this denotes an angle measuring less than 90 degrees, like a small angle that is specifically less than a right angle.

a shallow angle

Implies a reduced degree of inclination, similarly to a small angle that barely deviates from a straight line.

a fine angle

Suggests precision and subtlety in the angle's measurement, like a small angle that is carefully calibrated.

a fractional angle

This relates to angles which can be represented as fractions of degrees, with emphasis on the relative quantity.

a limited angle

Points to the small angular range available between two lines/planes, as similar to a small angle.

FAQs

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

You can use "a small angle" to describe the inclination between two lines or surfaces, such as "The light was directed at "a small angle to the" surface" or "The ramp was set at a small angle to make it easier to climb".

What's the difference between "a small angle" and "an acute angle"?

"A small angle" generally refers to an angle that is visually or contextually perceived as not large. "An acute angle" is a specific mathematical term for an angle that measures less than 90 degrees.

Which is correct, "a small angle" or "small angle"?

Both phrases are acceptable depending on the context. "A small angle" is used when referring to a specific instance of a small angle. "Small angle" can be used as an adjective before another word (e.g. small angle approximation).

What can I say instead of "a small angle" to sound more precise?

If you need to be more precise, you could use phrases like "a slight angle", "a narrow angle", or quantify the angle with a measurement (e.g. "an angle of 5 degrees").