a small endeavour

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a small endeavour" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a minor effort or undertaking, often implying that it is not overly challenging or significant. Example: "Starting a garden in my backyard was a small endeavour that brought me great joy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The property was purchased with our savings and our winery began its growth from a small endeavour in an old coach house next to our home to a major Napa Valley wine estate.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Forging a clear agreement on the science of such a vast and complex issue as the whole future of the planet and its life-support systems is no small endeavour, and the report from Stockholm draws on the work of more than 800 scientists and hundreds of research papers.

The Guardian

In 1937, a small part of Endeavours keel was gifted to the Australian Government by philanthropist Charles Wakefield in his capacity as president of the Admiral Arthur Phillip Memorial.

Wikipedia

Orbiting approximately 200 miles into the heavens, the space shuttle Endeavour has a small but deep gash in its belly, caused by falling debris during liftoff last week.

Forbes

Likewise, they have to keep their face in the public consciousness, while simultaneously endeavouring to preserve a small sense of dignity and mystique.

The Guardian

Mission managers have not made a decision to carry out the repair, to patch a small gash on the underside of the Endeavour, and they said experimental and computational results so far indicated that no repair was necessary and that the Endeavour could fly home as is.

The New York Times - Science

During re-entry, there will still be an undercurrent of uncertainty over a small gouge in the heat tiles on the Endeavour's belly.

The New York Times - Science

These seem like much smaller endeavours, however, and mainly exist on fan forums and between ultras online.

Vice

He told me he is playing a "small role" in what he described as a "collective endeavour".

BBC

But while Winslet's back has been turned, a small gang of crazy-lookin' character actors have turned her endeavours to their own, gong-grabbing advantage.

The Guardian - Film

As a result, there are moves to humanise the environments of care, for example the birth centre movement endeavours to provide a place like 'home' within a small maternity unit setting [ 11, 12].

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing an activity or project, use "a small endeavour" to downplay its complexity or scope. This can be useful in proposals or presentations where you want to manage expectations.

Common error

Avoid using "a small endeavour" when the activity is actually complex or significant. This can create a disconnect with your audience and undermine your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a small endeavour" functions as a noun phrase, where "small" is an adjective modifying the noun "endeavour". It typically serves to describe an undertaking or activity that is limited in scope, effort, or significance. This usage is supported by the Ludwig AI, which confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a small endeavour" is a grammatically correct and neutrally-registered noun phrase used to describe an activity or project of limited scope. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. While not extremely common, it's versatile enough for various contexts, with primary occurrences in news, media, and scientific sources. When using this phrase, ensure the scale of the activity aligns with its intended meaning to avoid miscommunication. Alternative phrases such as "a minor undertaking" or "a simple task" can be considered for nuanced emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a minor undertaking

Replaces "endeavour" with "undertaking" to emphasize the project aspect, while "minor" keeps the small scale.

a slight undertaking

Uses "slight" to convey the minimal scale and effort involved.

a modest attempt

Focuses on the effort involved, portraying it as not being overly ambitious or grand.

a limited undertaking

Highlights the constrained scope and boundaries of the activity.

a simple task

Simplifies the concept, suggesting ease and lack of complexity.

a manageable task

Highlights the ease and ability to control and complete the undertaking.

a little project

Uses "project" as a more informal alternative to "endeavour", maintaining the small scale.

a miniature pursuit

Emphasizes the diminutive nature of the activity or goal.

a trivial effort

Suggests the undertaking is of little importance or significance.

a basic exercise

Frames the activity as a fundamental or straightforward practice.

FAQs

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

You can use "a small endeavour" to describe a minor project or activity that doesn't require a lot of effort or resources. For example: "Starting a blog was "a small endeavour" compared to launching a business."

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

"A small endeavour" implies a project that is easy and of limited scope, while "a major undertaking" suggests a complex and challenging task requiring significant resources.

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

You can use alternatives like "a minor undertaking", "a modest attempt", or "a simple task" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use ""a small endeavour"" in a formal setting?

While acceptable, ""a small endeavour"" might be better suited for informal or neutral contexts. In highly formal situations, consider using alternatives like "a limited undertaking" or "a focused project" to maintain a professional tone.