a small attitude

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a small attitude" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a minor or subtle disposition or behavior of a person, often in a context where attitudes are being discussed. Example: "She had a small attitude that made her seem unapproachable, even though she was friendly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

A small attitude adjustment can be worthwhile for producers.

The New York Times

It was a small attitude shift for the powers that be, and a life-changing moment for the women Butler gave voice to.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

First, a quaternion-based small attitude sensor and an INS-GPS navigation system are constructed.

IFAC Proceedings Volumes

The performance of the small attitude sensor is shown via a comparison with a commercial attitude sensor that is precise and heavy.

IFAC Proceedings Volumes

The prototype's new propulsion system consists of 12 small attitude control thrusters, three primary descent thrusters to control the vehicle's altitude, and one large "gravity-canceling" thruster which offsets a portion of the prototype's weight to simulate a lower gravity environment, like that of the moon and asteroids.

MIT Technology Review

Some venture capitalists think that this "think small" attitude is driving entrepreneurs who may otherwise build the next Google or Microsoft to create something much less interesting instead, and then everyone loses.

TechCrunch

Although the results of this study may suggest there have been small attitude changes with respect to part-time work among medical specialists in the last decade, one cannot extrapolate these results to other groups of medical specialists.

BMC Health Services Research

Maybe it was the profile — the bio had a small-town attitude, and the photo just screamed "I'm retro!" But it took a only few hangouts to remind me that I hated "Cheers".

The New Yorker

The settling time for a small-angle attitude maneuver is typically about 30 s.

Earth, Planets and Space

John says it so clearly, if hate and a small-minded attitude outshine the actual need to get to the truth and understand holistically who we are, you're going to fail.

Forbes

Engineers used the time to develop a scheme to insert the craft into orbit using four small attitude-control thrusters.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a small attitude" to subtly characterize a person's behavior or perspective, especially when emphasizing that the attitude is not overwhelming or dominant.

Common error

Avoid using "a small attitude" when a stronger term like "significant mindset" or "dominant perspective" is more appropriate. The phrase is best suited for describing minor or understated behaviors.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a small attitude" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "small" modifies the noun "attitude". Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a small attitude" is a grammatically sound and usable expression that describes a subtle or minor disposition. While not exceedingly common, Ludwig AI analysis of various sources confirms its appropriate usage across contexts such as news, science, and formal communication. When using this phrase, aim to describe a mild or understated behaviour, and be mindful of situations where stronger terms might be more fitting. Remember the variety of alternative expressions can help you convey more precisely the nuance you are intending.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a slight disposition

Changes the noun from 'attitude' to 'disposition', implying a natural tendency or inclination, and uses 'slight' instead of 'small'.

a minor outlook

Replaces 'attitude' with 'outlook', focusing on a person's general perspective. 'Minor' suggests the insignificance of the viewpoint.

a subtle demeanor

Shifts the focus to observable behavior or outward manner, using 'demeanor' instead of 'attitude'.

a touch of arrogance

Specifies a particular type of attitude, replacing 'small' with a more descriptive adjective indicating the nature of the attitude.

a hint of defiance

Similar to 'a touch of arrogance' but specifying 'defiance' as the particular attitude being described.

a trace of cynicism

Implies a very slight presence of cynicism.

a modicum of respect

Uses 'modicum' to suggest a limited but present amount of respect.

a tiny bit of sass

Uses informal language ('sass') to describe a spirited or cheeky attitude.

a soupçon of charm

Replaces the original phrase with a French loanword, 'soupçon', for a hint of charm, often used humorously.

a shade of indifference

Indicates a slight degree of apathy or lack of interest.

FAQs

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

You can use "a small attitude" to describe a subtle or minor disposition. For example, "Despite her professionalism, she couldn't hide "a small attitude" of impatience."

What are some alternatives to "a small attitude"?

Alternatives include "a minor outlook", "a slight disposition", or "a subtle demeanor". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it ever appropriate to use "a small attitude" in formal writing?

While "a small attitude" isn't inherently informal, it might be more suitable for neutral or informal contexts. In formal writing, consider using more precise and descriptive language to convey the specific attitude you're describing.

What's the difference between "a small attitude" and "a negative attitude"?

"A small attitude" refers to the degree or intensity of an attitude, while "a negative attitude" refers to the nature or quality of the attitude. You can have "a small attitude" that is also negative, but the terms address different aspects of the attitude.