a small convenience

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a small convenience" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a minor benefit or ease that something provides in a particular context. Example: "Having a coffee machine in the office is a small convenience that makes our workday more enjoyable."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

A man returning from a small convenience store finds a woman lying — torpid and bleeding — in a sepulchral courtyard.

The New Yorker

After his mother died, and while Alare was gone, Benji had taken on the project of opening a small convenience store in an abandoned shack nearby.

The New Yorker

"It should be for the commercial area downtown that sells foreign brands, not a small convenience store owner like me," she said.

The New York Times

Not only might it be more difficult to find a company to ship 12 apples at a time to a small convenience store, but if the apples don't sell in a few days, they go bad.

The Guardian - Opinion

Jimmy Sean Pennn) runs a small convenience store, has a 19-year-old daughter Katie by his first wife, and two other girls by his second (Laura Linney), one of whom is about to make her first communion.

The Guardian - Film

Ali Moshtagh 20, is a shop assistant at a small convenience store in York "I work on a zero hours contract, which means they can call me in whenever they want.

Independent

So much stuff worth at least tens of thousands of yuan," said Li Yanxin, a migrant from nearby Anhui Province who runs a small convenience store out of his container.

The New York Times

It's not a small convenience, a rounding error.

Forbes

Suhendra, a resident of 30 years, says his home and business - a small convenience shop - are regularly flooded.

BBC

Waitrose is due to open a small convenience store in the town centre Corn Exchange in February next year.

BBC

EQ presets would have been appreciated, but it would also have complicated things for only a small convenience.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a small convenience" when you want to downplay the importance of something that makes life a bit easier. It's effective for expressing gratitude or acknowledging minor benefits without exaggerating their significance.

Common error

Avoid using "a small convenience" when describing something essential or critical. This phrase is best suited for minor enhancements or non-essential perks; overusing it can trivialize important factors.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a small convenience" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically acts as a subject complement or object, describing something that offers a minor benefit or ease. Ludwig AI confirms that it is used across various contexts to describe a minor advantage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a small convenience" is a frequently used phrase that describes something offering a minor benefit or ease. Ludwig AI indicates that it is grammatically correct and adaptable across different contexts. It typically functions as a noun phrase, serving to acknowledge or describe minor advantages. While versatile, remember to use it appropriately for non-essential perks to avoid trivializing important factors. Its neutral register and widespread usage in news, science, and formal business settings make it a useful addition to your vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a minor amenity

Replaces 'convenience' with 'amenity', emphasizing the pleasant or useful nature of the benefit. This alternative slightly shifts the focus to comfort and enjoyment.

a slight advantage

Focuses on the beneficial aspect, highlighting a small edge or gain obtained. Less about ease, more about benefit.

a trivial ease

Emphasizes the effortless nature and insignificance of the benefit. The word 'trivial' adds a nuance of unimportance.

a modest perk

Replaces 'convenience' with 'perk', suggesting a benefit that is additional to regular advantages or compensation. 'Modest' highlights its small size.

a small luxury

Suggests a pleasurable but not essential benefit. This alternative changes the context, implying a treat or indulgence.

a minor improvement

Focuses on the aspect of betterment or enhancement. 'Improvement' shifts the focus to the result of the convenience.

a negligible advantage

Indicates that the benefit is so small as to be practically unimportant. 'Negligible' downplays the significance more strongly than 'small'.

a handy feature

Highlights the usefulness and handiness of the convenience, framing it as a functional element.

a practical nicety

Combines usefulness with a touch of refinement or pleasantness. 'Nicety' suggests a refined or courteous convenience.

a simple aid

Emphasizes the assistive nature and straightforwardness of the convenience, highlighting its role in facilitating a task or process.

FAQs

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

You can use "a small convenience" to describe something that makes a task or situation slightly easier or more pleasant. For example, "Having a coffee maker in the office is "a small convenience" that saves time in the morning."

What are some alternatives to "a small convenience"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "a minor amenity", "a slight advantage", or "a modest perk".

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

Yes, "a small convenience" is generally appropriate for formal writing, especially when you need to acknowledge a minor benefit or advantage without overemphasizing it. However, consider the tone and audience to ensure it fits the overall context. More formal alternatives might include "a minor advantage" or "a slight benefit".

What's the difference between "a small convenience" and "a major convenience"?

"A small convenience" refers to something that provides a minor benefit or ease, while "a major convenience" indicates something significantly helpful or time-saving. The choice depends on the scale of the advantage being described.