a small defect

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a small defect" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a minor flaw or imperfection in an object, product, or process. Example: "The product was generally well-made, but there was a small defect in the stitching that needed to be addressed."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

A small defect may be associated with problems in young adults, although deterioration can occur in later life.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Slow crack growth in such pipes usually starts at a small defect at or near the inner pipe surface.

Engineering Failure Analysis

Adding further worry is that many high-flying companies lack any pretense of profitability -- a small defect that would have deprived them of a decent stock market listing before the 1970's.

The New York Times

The modification of the fields induced by the presence of a small defect is taken into account by using asymptotic corrections of displacements or stresses.

International Journal of Solids and Structures

If a small defect is present at the notch root, the effect of stress gradient must be also considered in the application of the model.

Procedia Structural Integrity

The multiple wheels and bearings in a wind turbine gearbox suffer tremendous stress because of wind turbulence, and a small defect in any one component can bring the turbine to a halt.

MIT Technology Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

A small, defect-free diamond seed crystal — which can be mined or synthetic — is introduced to a heated mixture of hydrocarbon gas and hydrogen inside a reactor at low pressure.

The New York Times - Style

A first point to be noticed in the figure is that the FGS samples have a smaller surface tension (27−35mN/m) than that of the FS samples (57 to 62 mN/m), nearly one half, and a smaller defect concentration.

Nanoscale Research Letters

One factor is the lower stability of the crystal regions adjacent to a larger point defect in comparison with the crystal regions adjacent to a smaller defect.

Chemical Reviews

It exploits/punishes even a very small defect in a person.

The New Yorker

A high density of small defect clusters, similar to those observed in irradiated or quenched metals, has been observed in the deformed f.c.c.

Acta Materialia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing issues in technical documentation or reports, use "a small defect" to downplay the severity while still acknowledging the issue's existence. This can help maintain user confidence.

Common error

Avoid using "a small defect" when the issue significantly impacts functionality or safety. Overstating the insignificance of a problem can lead to distrust and potential liability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a small defect" functions as a noun phrase, where "small" is an adjective modifying the noun "defect". It's used to identify and describe a minor imperfection or flaw. Ludwig AI confirms its proper use.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

20%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a small defect" is a grammatically correct and commonly used noun phrase that describes a minor imperfection or flaw. Ludwig AI confirms its proper use across diverse contexts, including science, news, and encyclopedias. While its register is generally neutral, its purpose is to acknowledge flaws while minimizing their significance. Related phrases include "minor imperfection" and "slight flaw". When using this phrase, avoid exaggerating its impact and use it judiciously in technical documentation. The frequency of "a small defect" is 'common' with results primarily from scientific and news sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

small imperfection

Simple synonym replacement for 'defect' while retaining the original meaning and emphasis on size.

minor imperfection

Replaces "defect" with a more general term for imperfection, maintaining the emphasis on something small.

slight flaw

Substitutes both "small" and "defect" with synonyms that suggest a minimal issue.

tiny blemish

Emphasizes the diminutive size of the defect, suitable for visual imperfections.

minor deficiency

Highlights a lack of something necessary, but on a small scale.

trivial fault

Focuses on the insignificance of the defect, implying it's not a serious problem.

negligible imperfection

Underlines that the imperfection is so small it's practically non-existent.

insignificant flaw

Stresses the lack of importance or impact of the flaw.

slight irregularity

Replaces "defect" with a term suggesting a deviation from the norm that is not severe.

minor glitch

Suggests a temporary or easily fixable small problem, often used in technical contexts.

FAQs

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

You can use "a small defect" to describe a minor flaw or imperfection. For example, "The device functions well, despite "a small defect" in the casing."

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

You can use alternatives like "minor imperfection", "slight flaw", or "tiny blemish" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "a small defect" or "a minor defect"?

Both "a small defect" and "a minor defect" are grammatically correct and convey essentially the same meaning. The choice depends on stylistic preference.

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

"A small defect" refers to a minor flaw with little impact, while "a major defect" indicates a significant flaw that severely affects functionality or usability.