a small boost

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a small boost" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a slight increase or improvement in something, such as performance, motivation, or support. Example: "The new marketing strategy provided a small boost in sales over the last quarter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He'd enjoyed a small boost in his folate level.

The New Yorker

It may take more than a small boost to loosen corporate purse strings, Mr. Harris said.

The New York Times

Belfast, a small boost to your economy may be coming soon.

The Guardian

After winning the prize, there is a small boost to winner's citation count.

The Economist

The growing popularity of Islamic finance over the past decade has provided a small boost.

The Economist

The introduction of the celebrity iteration offered a small boost, but nothing too substantial.

The Washington Post

Same-day voter registration gives a small boost to voter turnout, according to Hood.

The Washington Post

The group's first quarter results, published yesterday, gave the shares a small boost, lifting them 8.5p to 528p.

The Guardian - Business

Moving to New York might give James a small boost, but most say it would be negligible.

The New York Times

And some real estate brokers agree that a more elegant name on 52nd Street might give prices a small boost.

The New York Times

That engine is also used, with a small boost from an electric motor, in the Regal and the LaCrosse.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a small boost", ensure the context clearly indicates what is receiving the benefit. For example, specify if it's "a small boost" to morale, sales, or performance.

Common error

Avoid using "a small boost" when the actual impact is significant. Misrepresenting the effect can undermine credibility. Use stronger terms like "significant improvement" or "substantial increase" if the boost is more than minor.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a small boost" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig examples indicate it describes a slight increase or improvement in something. The phrase is commonly used to denote a minor positive change or impetus.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a small boost" is a noun phrase that effectively communicates a minor increase or improvement. Ludwig AI confirms that its grammatical use is correct and it's a very common phrase across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. When using the phrase, ensure the context clearly defines what is receiving the boost and avoid overstating the actual impact. Alternatives such as ""a modest improvement"" or ""a slight advantage"" can be used to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a modest improvement

Substitutes "small boost" with "modest improvement", highlighting a minor positive change.

a marginal increase

Uses "marginal increase" instead of "small boost", focusing on a minimal quantitative growth.

a fractional gain

Substitutes "small boost" with "fractional gain", emphasizing a very small increment or profit.

a slight advantage

Replaces "boost" with "advantage", emphasizing a minor gain in a competitive context.

a minor upturn

Changes "small boost" to "minor upturn", indicating a slight upward trend or recovery.

a limited advantage

Replaces "small boost" with "limited advantage", emphasizing a minor gain in a competitive context.

a mild stimulus

Replaces "boost" with "stimulus", suggesting a gentle encouragement or impetus.

a hint of progress

Uses "hint of progress" instead of "small boost", suggesting a subtle positive development.

a touch of momentum

Replaces "small boost" with "touch of momentum", conveying a slight increase in forward movement.

a welcome fillip

Substitutes "small boost" with "welcome fillip", suggesting a minor but pleasing stimulus.

FAQs

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

You can use "a small boost" to describe a slight increase or improvement. For example, "The new marketing campaign gave sales "a small boost"".

What can I say instead of "a small boost"?

You can use alternatives like "a modest improvement", "a slight advantage", or "a marginal increase" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "a small boost of"?

Yes, you can say "a small boost of" followed by what is being boosted. For example, "a small boost of confidence" or "a small boost of energy".

What's the difference between "a small boost" and "a significant boost"?

"A small boost" indicates a minor improvement, while "a significant boost" suggests a substantial or considerable improvement. The choice depends on the magnitude of the effect.