a small cant

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a small cant" is correct and can be used in written English.
It can be used to describe a minor or slight bias, inclination, or perspective on a particular issue or topic. Example: "The article presented a small cant towards the author's personal beliefs, which influenced the overall argument."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

The dangers of having a tank that's too small can't be overstated.

WikiHow

"Hands too small, can't build a wall".

Huffington Post

"But our various divisions are enormously helped, in a way that a small business can't be, by the experience and know-how of our global network.

Forbes

As Burke notes, PR has gotten to be more essential to getting a restaurant off the ground, and "a small place can't afford" to make a big splash.

Los Angeles Times

They made that transition, and I think the idea that somehow that people from a small town can't go a big city and change is not true.

The New York Times

I wasn't saving but still, a single drink now and then from a barrel the size of a small Fort Knox can't hurt much.

Huffington Post

"If it's real cold, the suction can be so strong that a small person can't even push open a swinger".

The New York Times

There's no reason why a small country can't thrive".

Independent

"The sleeplessness of life with a small child can't be underestimated," she says.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Because more government breeds complicated rules and laws that a small business can't afford to follow.

The New York Times

"Some women don't find breastfeeding easy, a small minority can't and others don't want to breastfeed their baby which is entirely up to them.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a small cant" when you want to subtly suggest a minor bias or inclination without being overly critical or accusatory. This is particularly useful in analytical writing where objectivity is valued.

Common error

Avoid using "a small cant" when a stronger term like "bias" or "prejudice" is more accurate. Using "a small cant" in such cases can dilute the impact and misrepresent the true extent of the inclination.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a small cant" functions as a noun phrase describing a subtle bias or inclination. It is used to characterize a leaning or perspective, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a small cant" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a subtle bias or inclination. According to Ludwig, it is valid in written English. While relatively rare, it serves to soften criticism and highlight perspective without being overly negative. When using this phrase, ensure that a stronger term isn't more appropriate, and be mindful of the potential for overstatement. Consider it a nuanced way to point out a particular viewpoint.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a slight bias

Emphasizes the presence of a bias, but focuses on its minimal degree.

a minor slant

Highlights the perspective from which something is viewed, presenting it as slightly skewed.

a subtle inclination

Focuses on a leaning or tendency that is not immediately obvious.

a mild prejudice

Indicates a preformed judgment, which is only to a small degree.

a gentle leaning

Illustrates a preference or tendency that is not forceful or assertive.

a soft partiality

Highlights a favoritism that is mild and not strongly pronounced.

a limited perspective

Describes a viewpoint that is narrowed in scope, introducing a slight bias.

a restricted view

Focuses on limitations in sight and vision, introducing a bias.

a controlled vantage

Indicates that the vantage point is small and measured.

a tempered favoritism

Emphasizes that a favor is mild and not absolute or unlimited.

FAQs

How can "a small cant" be used in a sentence?

You can use "a small cant" to indicate a slight bias or inclination in someone's perspective. For example, "The report exhibited "a small cant" toward the company's environmental efforts".

What's the difference between "a small cant" and "a strong bias"?

"A small cant" suggests a minor, often subtle inclination, while "a strong bias" indicates a more pronounced and potentially unfair leaning towards a particular viewpoint.

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

You can use alternatives like "a slight bias", "a minor slant", or "a subtle inclination" depending on the context.

Is "a small cant" always negative?

Not necessarily. While "a small cant" often implies a deviation from complete objectivity, it's not inherently negative. It simply acknowledges the presence of a perspective or inclination.