a small decision

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a small decision" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a choice or judgment that is not significant or has minor consequences. Example: "Choosing what to have for lunch is just a small decision in the grand scheme of things."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

This is not a small decision.

The Guardian

"It is barely any money … It is so small, so it is a small decision".

The Guardian - Business

In his view, it may be harder to beat the competition by getting a small decision right, but the sheer number of opportunities makes it worth the effort.

The New York Times

"There was no sense that this was a small decision; this was a big decision and a big sense of change," he said.

The Guardian

Joseph Chamie, the director of the United Nations population division, said: "A woman in a village making a decision to have one or two or at most three children is a small decision in itself.

The New York Times

So when Twitter talks about turning on revenue, it isn't such a small decision.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

This will be a small decision-making group that will also include the project investigators.

BMJ Open

"While they might ultimately make a relatively small decision, any decision at all from the FEC is a big deal and something us digital consultants/hacks are watching closely".

Vice

On the Radio National cuts, Guthrie told her shocked audience as 30 staffers looked on: "I hate to break it to you but this is a very small decision for me".

The Guardian

Yes, even a seemingly small decision now, could mean the difference between happiness and hardship next year.

Huffington Post

Instead, an administration makes a thousand small decisions, each of which subtly adds to or detracts from a positive growth environment.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a small decision", consider the context. Ensure that the adjective accurately reflects the significance of the choice being made. If the decision has unforeseen consequences, avoid labeling it as "small".

Common error

Avoid using "a small decision" ironically when the decision actually has significant implications. This can confuse readers and undermine your intended message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a small decision" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where 'small' is an adjective modifying the noun 'decision'. This phrase is used to identify a choice or judgment that is not significant or has minor consequences. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

27%

Formal & Business

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Wiki

7%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a small decision" is a common phrase used to describe a choice or judgment that carries little weight or consequence. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. Analysis reveals its neutral tone and common usage in contexts like News & Media and Science. While semantically similar phrases exist, they each offer slightly different shades of meaning. When employing this phrase, consider the potential impact and avoid ironic usage that contradicts its intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a minor choice

Focuses on the insignificance of the selection.

an insignificant decision

Emphasizes the lack of importance of the decision.

a trivial decision

Highlights the unimportance and frivolous nature of the decision.

a negligible decision

Indicates the decision has very little impact or effect.

a slight decision

Suggests the decision is small in scope or consequence.

a modest decision

Implies the decision is limited in scale or impact.

a routine decision

Focuses on the decision being a common and expected occurrence.

a simple decision

Emphasizes the lack of complexity in the decision-making process.

a quick decision

Highlights the speed and lack of deliberation in making the decision.

an easy decision

Suggests the decision requires minimal effort or thought.

FAQs

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

You can use "a small decision" to describe a choice that doesn't have major consequences, such as, "Choosing which coffee to buy is "a small decision" compared to choosing a career path."

What is a good substitute for "a small decision"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "a small decision" include "a minor choice", "a trivial decision", or "an insignificant decision".

Is it correct to say "a small decision"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to say "a small decision". It is commonly used to describe a choice that is not considered important or impactful.

What's the difference between "a small decision" and "a big decision"?

"A small decision" refers to a choice with minimal impact, while "a big decision" involves significant consequences and often requires careful consideration.