a small footprint

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a small footprint" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to describe something that has minimal impact on the environment or occupies little space. Example: "The new eco-friendly building was designed with a small footprint to reduce its environmental impact."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

He travels with not a small footprint".

The New York Times

And everything here is dedicated to leaving a small footprint.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The vertical design is sleek, with a small footprint and solid build quality.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"It's a complicated project because it is a small footprint that is vertical," he said.

The New York Times - Arts

"We wanted something capable, dynamic, energetic and functional in a small footprint".

The New York Times

"We'd like to think we've left a small footprint," said Reid. "It's a snowball effect.

The Guardian - Music

In this way we hope to leave a small footprint for Christ in places of learning".

The New York Times

Despite its growing prominence, ICE has a small footprint in Washington.

The New York Times

Building on such a small footprint also meshes with the philosophy of Lumberland's planning board, so far.

The New York Times

If you're after a compact machine with a small footprint, the Dolce Gusto Jovia is a good bet.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

In this study, we used a small-footprint lidar sensor (airborne laser scanner, ALS) to estimate sub-canopy elevation and canopy height in an evergreen tropical rain forest.

Remote Sensing of Environment

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing environmental impact, use "a small footprint" to emphasize sustainability and minimal harm to the ecosystem. For example, “The company aims to have a small footprint by using renewable energy sources.”

Common error

Avoid using "a small footprint" when you actually mean "a minimal presence". While related, footprint often implies impact or space occupied. A small military footprint, for example, means few troops, not necessarily low impact. Be precise with your language.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a small footprint" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as a subject complement or object of a preposition. Ludwig examples show it describing attributes of physical objects (devices, buildings) and abstract concepts (environmental impact, organizational presence).

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

37%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a small footprint" is a versatile phrase used to describe something with minimal impact or compact size. It is grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is suitable for both physical objects and abstract concepts. When writing, remember to use it to convey efficiency, sustainability, or unobtrusiveness, and avoid misinterpreting it as simply meaning "a minimal presence". Be mindful of the context to ensure accurate and impactful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a minimal footprint

Emphasizes the idea of reducing impact to the lowest possible level.

a compact footprint

Focuses on the aspect of being small and efficiently using space.

a reduced footprint

Highlights the action of making the footprint smaller.

a light footprint

Suggests a gentle or non-intrusive impact.

a tiny footprint

Emphasizes the extremely small size or impact.

a limited impact

Shifts the focus from physical size to the extent of influence.

a small environmental impact

Specifically refers to the effect on the environment.

a narrow profile

Describes something with a slim or slender shape.

a low profile

Suggests avoiding attention or minimizing visibility.

a small presence

Focuses on the limited visibility or influence.

FAQs

What does "a small footprint" mean?

The phrase "a small footprint" typically refers to minimizing the environmental impact or the amount of space something occupies. It's often used in discussions about sustainability and efficiency.

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

You can use "a small footprint" to describe products, buildings, or actions designed to minimize their impact. For instance, "The solar panels have "a minimal footprint" and generate significant energy."

Which is a better phrase: "a small footprint" or "a minimal footprint"?

Both "a small footprint" and "a minimal footprint" are acceptable, though the latter emphasizes reducing impact to the absolute lowest level. Choose the one that best fits your desired nuance.

What are some synonyms for "a small footprint"?

Some synonyms for "a small footprint" include "a compact footprint", "a reduced footprint", or "a light footprint", depending on the specific context.