a small clip

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a small clip" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a brief segment of video or audio, or a small piece of material, such as a paper clip or hair clip. Example: "I watched a small clip of the documentary that highlighted the main findings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

Instead of the speedometer, the driver faces a small clip behind the steering wheel that holds driving directions, a grocery list or a snapshot of the kids.

The New York Times

Joule comes with a magnet so that its base can be stuck to some metal pots, and a small clip so it can be attached to the side of a container or pot.

The New York Times - Tech

"There is this urban myth that if you use a small clip, you don't have to pay anything, but it's not true". He also talked about the future for SongPop.

The Guardian - Tech

But Ellison's statement was a small clip intentionally taken out of context by Steven Emerson of The Investigative Project on Terrorism, a self-proclaimed expert who claims, among other odious lies, that the Obama administration is in cahoots with the Muslim Brotherhood.

The Washington Post

l'll interview a scientist and I'll get a small clip and just tell you what the story is very briefly.

Forbes

An improved Windows Live client that includes features like tabbed IM sessions, voice notes, etc. (Note: basically you can record a small clip and then send it to someone via IM) T-Mobile's myFaves service now includes e-mail as communication option in addition to text, MMS, etc. T-Mobile also added Voice Command (voice control software) and Office Mobile.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

For charging, there's a small clip-on adapter that provides a microUSB port which can be charged by any normal USB charger.

The Guardian - Tech

There's the beautiful spherical sensor, and then a small clip-on called the "Sleep Pill," that attaches to a person's pillow and contains a six-axis accelerometer and gyroscope to track tossing and turning.

TechCrunch

If you only want to check your oxygen levels periodically, a small clip-on oximeter will probably work fine.

WikiHow

In the box you get not one but two straps for the Orbit, which is itself a small Fitbit-style pill-shaped device, and a smaller clip for wearing in a less obvious place.

TechCrunch

The Actiheart sensor clips onto 2 electrocardiography electrodes and was positioned in the midline just below the xiphisternum and attached via a 70 100-mm wire to a smaller clip horizontally to the left chest wall.

American Journal of Clinical Nutrition

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing media, specify the type of "a small clip" (e.g., "a small video clip", "a small audio clip") for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "a small clip" without context. Clarify what the clip is used for or what it contains to prevent ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a small clip" functions primarily as a noun phrase with an adjectival modifier. The adjective "small" modifies the noun "clip", indicating its size. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

28%

Wiki

22%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Academia

4%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a small clip" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression. It describes something that is either physically small (like a paper clip) or of short duration (like a video segment). Ludwig AI confirms this. While versatile, clarity is enhanced by specifying the type of clip being referenced. It appears frequently in News & Media, Science, and Wiki contexts, indicating its broad applicability. When writing, be sure to provide adequate context to prevent any ambiguity. Alternatives such as "a brief excerpt" or "a short segment" might be preferable depending on the specific meaning you intend to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a small segment of video

Specifies the clip is from a longer video.

a brief excerpt

Focuses on the segment being a portion taken from something larger.

a short segment

Emphasizes the limited duration or length of the clip.

a minor segment

Highlights that the piece is less important than the whole

a little piece

Highlights the small size and fragmentary nature of the clip.

a tiny fragment

Stresses the minute size and incompleteness of the clip.

a miniature section

Underscores the reduced scale and segment aspect of the clip.

a compact fastening

Focuses on the function of a clip as a fastener and its size.

a short reel

Implies the clip is part of a longer film or recording.

a quick take

Suggests the clip is a brief recording or shot.

FAQs

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

You can use "a small clip" to refer to a brief segment of video or audio, or a small fastening device. For example, "I watched a small clip of the movie" or "Use a small clip to hold the papers together."

What are some alternatives to "a small clip" when referring to a video?

Alternatives include "a brief excerpt", "a short segment", or "a short reel", depending on the context.

Is "a small clip" formal or informal?

"A small clip" is generally neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though specifying the type of clip improves clarity in formal settings.

What's the difference between "a small clip" and "a short clip"?

While similar, "a small clip" emphasizes the size or physical dimensions, whereas "a short clip" emphasizes the duration or length of the segment.