a small breeze

USAGE SUMMARY

"a small breeze" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it to describe the weather, while referring to a light, gentle wind. For example, "The sun was shining and a small breeze blew through the garden."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

These are the luxuries in the camp: a packet of cookies, a crayon, a new battery for an old radio, a small breeze on a sweltering night.

The New York Times

The afternoon sun was beginning to throw shadows, and a small breeze blew across the grass and played in the hair of the prophet.

The New Yorker

A small breeze blows in from the Narrows, 1 World Trade Center shimmers in the twilight, tugboats pass, the air is filled with salt.

The New York Times

The cardinal tried to fly for the window, but only stuck in midair, its desperate wings striking up a small breeze that Walt, kneeling near it, could feel against his face.

The New Yorker

Here's how Ponsot makes that move: "A small breeze rises and the leaves stir / as uneasy as we, while the woods go black; / its voice touches and parts the air of summer / and lets darkness enter us; our strings go slack / though the player keeps up his plangent attack.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

He is now out of work and dependent on a small breeze-block shop to feed his family.

The Guardian

Sitting in a small breeze-block shack, nestled amid wiry trees at the top of a hill overlooking Bamako, he was surrounded by a wicker tray of shells, a bible open at Leviticus, and an array of mystical symbols drawn onto the electric blue walls of his dwelling.

The Guardian

But the Justice for Kirsty campaign alleges Yam had drunkenly told friends he took the rap having been promised money and a house on Cozumel, where González Nova still reportedly has a holiday home, and where Yam was said to live in a small breeze-block building.

The Guardian - Music

A small, sad breeze brushes my cheek in a quick kiss and makes me think of a sweetheart I had long ago.

Huffington Post

The small breeze seems to blow straight through my ears and brings a shiver that makes me understand that for late November I'm dressed too lightly.

The New Yorker

A little breeze wound past them.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a small breeze" to create a sense of tranquility or mildness in your writing. It's effective for setting a peaceful scene or describing a gentle atmospheric condition.

Common error

Avoid using "a small breeze" when describing intense or dramatic weather situations. It's more suitable for calm, understated scenes, as opposed to powerful storms or harsh winds.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a small breeze" functions as a noun phrase, specifically acting as the subject or object of a sentence to describe a gentle movement of air. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples where it modifies verbs related to sensation or environment.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

17%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a small breeze" is a grammatically correct and commonly understood phrase used to describe a gentle, light wind. As Ludwig AI confirms, it functions as a noun phrase, often used to evoke feelings of calmness and tranquility. While its register is generally neutral, it's best suited for descriptive contexts and should be avoided in scenarios requiring more forceful language. Analysis of authoritative sources indicates frequent use in News & Media. When a different nuance needs to be expressed, consider alternative phrases such as "a light wind" or "a gentle zephyr".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a light wind

Substitutes "small" with "light", emphasizing the low intensity of the wind.

a gentle zephyr

Replaces "breeze" with "zephyr" implying a soft, mild wind.

a zephyr

A single-word synonym for a gentle breeze.

a slight draft

Uses "draft" instead of "breeze", often referring to indoor air movement.

a soft air current

Uses "air current" instead of "breeze", providing a more technical description.

a mild gust

Replaces "breeze" with "gust", implying a sudden, short burst of wind.

a faint puff of wind

Emphasizes the delicacy and insignificance of the wind.

a whispering wind

Emphasizes the sound quality of a light wind.

a mere breath of air

Underlines the barely perceptible nature of the wind.

a tiny waft

A more poetic and less common way of describing a very light breeze.

FAQs

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

You can use "a small breeze" to describe a gentle and light wind, such as: "A small breeze rustled the leaves in the garden."

What are some synonyms for "a small breeze"?

Some alternatives to "a small breeze" include "a light wind", "a gentle zephyr", or "a slight draft", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

Yes, "a small breeze" is appropriate in formal writing, especially when describing atmospheric conditions or setting a scene. However, consider the context and whether a more precise term like "a gentle zephyr" might be more suitable.

What's the difference between "a small breeze" and "a strong wind"?

"A small breeze" describes a gentle, light wind, whereas "a strong wind" indicates a powerful, forceful air current. They represent opposite ends of the wind intensity spectrum.