a small child

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a small child" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a young person, typically under the age of 12, emphasizing their size or age. Example: "The park was filled with laughter as a small child chased after a butterfly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And a small child.

The New Yorker

I had a small child.

The New York Times

By a small child.

The Guardian

"Who's that?" asked a small child.

The Economist

Even a small child can smell overcompensation.

The New York Times

So does a small child.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"He's like a small child.

The New York Times

"He's not a small child.

The New York Times

Alone with a small child.

The Guardian - Opinion

A small child can hide in anything.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He pointed to a small child.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a child, consider the specific context. Use "a small child" when size is relevant, otherwise, "a young child" may be more appropriate.

Common error

While "a small child" is generally acceptable, be mindful of its frequency in formal writing. Consider using more descriptive or specific terms to enhance clarity and sophistication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a small child" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object in a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. It is used to refer to a young person, emphasizing their size and age.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Science

8%

Academia

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a small child" is a grammatically sound and very common phrase used to describe a young person, emphasizing their size or age. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it functions primarily as a noun phrase and is frequently found in news and media contexts. While versatile, considering alternatives like "a young child" or "a little one" can add nuance to your writing. Be mindful of overusing it in formal contexts, opting for more specific descriptors when appropriate. When describing a child, consider the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a young kid

Replaces "child" with the more informal "kid", and "small" with "young", indicating youth.

a little one

Uses a more endearing and less direct term for a child, often implying affection or care.

a diminutive child

Focuses on the child's small stature, using a more formal adjective.

a tiny tot

Emphasizes the child's small size and is often used in a playful or affectionate manner.

a little tyke

Uses an informal and somewhat old-fashioned term for a small child, often implying mischief or energy.

a miniature human

This phrase uses a more technical or detached way of referring to a child, focusing on their size relative to adults.

a wee one

A Scottish term for a small child, adding a regional flavor.

a juvenile individual

Employs formal and clinical language to describe a child, suitable for contexts requiring precision.

a toddler

Specifically refers to a child who is just learning to walk, narrowing the age range.

an infant

Refers to a very young child, typically before they begin to walk or talk.

FAQs

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

You can use "a small child" to describe a young person when emphasizing their age or size. For example, "The park was filled with laughter as "a small child" chased after a butterfly."

What are some alternatives to saying "a small child"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "a young child", "a little one", or "a tiny tot".

Is there a difference between "a small child" and "a young child"?

While both phrases refer to a young person, "a small child" emphasizes size, whereas "a young child" emphasizes age. The choice depends on which aspect you want to highlight.

When is it appropriate to use "a small child" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "a small child" when you want to emphasize the size or age of the child in relation to something else, or when describing activities suitable for young children. Using context is important for the effectiveness of the phrase.