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Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
a small application
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "a small application" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a software program or tool that is limited in size or functionality. Example: "I developed a small application to help users track their daily expenses."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Academia
Science
Alternative expressions(20)
a small pause
a minor favor
a precise application
a small catch
a slight requirement
a simple application
a small pool
a simple plea
a small canister
a brief request
a small bag
a practical application
a political application
a small action
a small comfort
a modest application
a humble petition
a short request
a small demand
a small enquiry
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
35 human-written examples
To begin with, many recovery services will install a small application onto your laptop, smartphone, flash drive or other device.
News & Media
A small application, such as a utility program limited-function spreadsheet or word processor.
Academia
It uploads your song lists (not your songs) from iTunes, and then lets you listen to them on your cellphone (after downloading a small application to the phone).
News & Media
Finally, a small application to the problem of spatial downscaling of the GDP aggregate data is presented.
However, it should also be designed so that each project can provide a small application that will detect the 'Capabilities' of the machine.
The DCharts formalism, a Statecharts variant with extensions, is used to model a small application to demonstrate our approach: a traffic light.
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
25 human-written examples
Mr Lane makes the trains run on time and listens to customers.Over the past four years Mr Lane has also quietly guided Oracle's second great transformation: from what was largely a one-product company with a small applications business on the side into an evolving total-solutions provider, with a 12,000-strong army of consultants.
News & Media
However, it seems difficult to apply it in our experimental framework where only a small application-dependent corpus is available.
To obtain a greater wetted depth through selecting the emitters having a smaller application rate, which is a common method in the system design for a uniform soil, may not be necessarily applied for the layered soils.
Therefore, in estimating the PNEC, a smaller application factor is applied to these results if the mesocosm is suitably biologically diverse, contains sensitive flora and fauna, and the exposure is of a chronic time frame (Belanger, 1997).
On each day of application, pesticide was applied at a fixed rate (a "base rate" or BASE, kg/ha as the active ingredient), which was an arbitrary small application rate for stochastic PRZM runs.
Science
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When describing software, use "a small application" to convey that it's not resource-intensive and performs specific, limited tasks efficiently.
Common error
Avoid using "a small application" to describe software with extensive features or complex functionality. This can create a misleading impression of its capabilities.
Source & Trust
83%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "a small application" functions as a noun phrase, where "small" modifies the noun "application". It commonly identifies a software program that is limited in scope and size. Ludwig provides numerous examples that confirm its use in diverse contexts.
Frequent in
News & Media
42%
Academia
28%
Science
24%
Less common in
Wiki
6%
Formal & Business
0%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "a small application" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase that refers to a software program with limited size and functionality. As evidenced by Ludwig, it is frequently found in news, academic, and scientific contexts. While it's a versatile phrase, it's important to ensure that it accurately reflects the capabilities of the described software, avoiding any overstatement of its features. Alternatives like "a simple application" or "a lightweight application" can be used to emphasize different aspects of the software being described.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
a minor application
Replaces "small" with "minor", suggesting a program that is less significant or less complex.
a lightweight application
Emphasizes the application's minimal resource usage and efficient design.
a simple application
Highlights the application's ease of use and straightforward functionality.
a compact application
Focuses on the application's reduced size or footprint.
a basic application
Indicates the application provides only essential functions, without advanced features.
a limited application
Implies the application has restrictions on its capabilities or scope.
a miniature application
Draws attention to the extremely reduced size of the application.
a scaled-down application
Emphasizes that the application is a smaller version of something larger or more complex.
a reduced application
Focuses on the decreased scope, size, or resource needs of the application.
a pocket application
Highlights that the application is suitable for use on small, portable devices.
FAQs
How can I use "a small application" in a sentence?
You can use "a small application" to describe a software program that performs a specific task and does not require significant resources. For example, "I use "a small application" to convert images to different formats".
What can I say instead of "a small application"?
You can use alternatives like "a simple application", "a lightweight application", or "a minor application" depending on the context.
Is it better to say "a small application" or "a simple program"?
Both "a small application" and "a simple program" are acceptable, but they emphasize different aspects. "A small application" highlights the size or resource usage, while "a simple program" emphasizes the ease of use and straightforward functionality.
What is the difference between "a small application" and "a large application"?
"A small application" typically refers to a program that is limited in size, functionality, and resource requirements. In contrast, "a large application" refers to a program with extensive features, complex functionalities, and considerable resource requirements.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
83%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested