a small building

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a small building" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a structure that is not large in size, often in contexts related to architecture, real estate, or descriptions of locations. Example: "The park features a small building that serves as a restroom for visitors."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"It's a small building, four floors.

The New York Times

For a small building, the design has enticing complexity.

The New Yorker

Our Big Society is being controlled from a Small Building.

Independent

Someone observed Taliban in a small building just ahead.

The New York Times

It grew dark and we moved inside a small building.

The New Yorker

A small building near the checkpoint burst immediately into flames.

The New York Times

The company is headquartered in a small building in Bangkok.

The Guardian

Eventually, they bought a small building and opened a bookstore.

The New York Times

For a small building, it's crammed with sensual delights.

The Guardian - Arts

He had similar success with a small building he erected on Taaffe Place in Clinton Hill.

The New York Times

In a small building, "there's more privacy and I really like that.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a "small building", be specific about its purpose or architectural style to provide a clearer image for the reader. For example, instead of just saying "a small building", consider "a small brick building" or "a small storage building".

Common error

Avoid using vague adjectives alongside "a small building". Instead of saying "a very small building", try to quantify its size or describe its features more precisely. For instance, mention "a two-story building" or "a building smaller than a typical house".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a small building" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence. It is a descriptive phrase, modifying the noun "building" with the adjective "small". Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a small building" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe structures of limited size. Ludwig AI validates its usage across diverse contexts, primarily in news, wiki, and formal business settings. While versatile, more descriptive adjectives can enhance clarity and specificity. Common errors include overuse of vague descriptors. Alternatives like "a compact structure" or "a modest edifice" can add nuance. This phrase is suitable for neutral registers, making it applicable in various communication scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a compact structure

Replaces 'small' with 'compact' emphasizing the efficient use of space.

a miniature building

Emphasizes the very small size of the building.

a tiny construction

Uses 'tiny' instead of 'small', highlighting the diminutive size.

a petite construction

Uses 'petite' to describe the building as small and delicate.

a modest edifice

Substitutes 'small building' with 'modest edifice' conveying simplicity and elegance.

a reduced-size structure

Rephrases to indicate the building's diminished dimensions.

a little house

Replaces "building" with "house", suggesting a residential structure.

a humble dwelling

Replaces "building" with "dwelling" indicating a simple and modest place of residence.

a minor building

Highlights the building's lack of significance or importance.

a confined space

Focuses on the limited area within the building.

FAQs

How can I describe "a small building" more vividly?

To make your description more engaging, use specific details about the building's material, color, or architectural style. Instead of just "a small building", try "a small brick building" or "a small, cottage-style building".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "a small building"?

Consider using phrases like "a compact structure", "a modest edifice", or "a tiny construction" depending on the context and the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to use "a small building" if the context already implies size?

While sometimes the size might be implied, using "a small building" can still be useful for emphasis or clarity, especially if you want to contrast it with larger structures or spaces nearby. However, avoid unnecessary repetition by varying your descriptions.

How does the term "a small building" compare to "a tiny building"?

While both describe size, "a tiny building" suggests an even smaller size than "a small building". The choice depends on the degree of smallness you want to emphasize. For example, "a tiny building" implies a very diminutive structure, while "a small building" is more general.