a small indulgence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a small indulgence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a minor pleasure or treat that one allows oneself, often in the context of self-care or enjoyment. Example: "After a long week of work, I decided to treat myself to a small indulgence, like a piece of chocolate cake."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Food

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

And despite the hint that they are only a small indulgence, two empanadas Pecadillo were light, hearty and plump with a filling of tasty, finely ground beef.

The New York Times

Halloween is a small indulgence in a life that Ms. Paris, 41, said was consumed by worries — "about the kids, insurance, vacation, school, taxes, the price of gas, everything".

The New York Times

Yet somehow, at the end of the day, after a husband-wife cleanup that included vacuuming and wiping down all the rugs in the Muslim household, Ms. Rasool, 33, found time for a small indulgence: catching up on tapes of her favorite soap operas and doing her nails.

The New York Times

If you find yourself wanting something expensive in the quest for immediate gratification, divert yourself with a small indulgence rather than giving in to the large one.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

If we've been watching our weight all yearlong, maybe it's time to ease up a little and allow ourselves a few small indulgences during the holidays -- I've already gained five pounds, yikes!

Huffington Post

A losing season has afforded them that small indulgence.

The New York Times - Sports

As a small crisp indulgence, Mr. Hayden adds a tempura onion to the broth.

The New York Times - Food

She describes her childhood in Sunnyvale, Calif., in the 1970s as an "endless, and mostly frustrating quest for candy," restricted to a small weekly indulgence after church on Sundays.

The New York Times - Food

At midday Tuesday, the M50, which travels west on 49th Street, was filled with people treating themselves to a small summer indulgence, the public transit equivalent of an ice cream cone.

The New York Times

Allow yourself one small indulgence per day, so you won't feel like you're missing out on the experience, but eat well for all other meals that day.

Huffington Post

On special occasions, allow yourself a little indulgence to prove to yourself that saving by paying attention to all the small things pays dividends.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a small indulgence" to describe something that provides a temporary escape or comfort without significant consequence, especially when contrasting it with larger, more impactful choices.

Common error

Avoid using "a small indulgence" in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise language that conveys the same sentiment with greater gravitas, such as "a minor respite" or "a brief reprieve".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a small indulgence" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It describes something that one permits oneself, usually something pleasurable but not essential. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Wiki

16%

Food

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a small indulgence" is a noun phrase used to describe a minor, permissible pleasure or treat. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically sound and readily usable. It finds common usage in contexts such as news articles, lifestyle content and casual conversation, carrying a slightly informal tone. While not suitable for overly formal writing, its communicative purpose centers around the idea of a modest luxury that offers a temporary escape or comfort. When in doubt, options like "a minor treat" or "a little luxury" can serve as excellent substitutes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a minor treat

Replaces "indulgence" with "treat", focusing on the pleasant aspect of the experience.

a little luxury

Substitutes "indulgence" with "luxury", emphasizing the slightly extravagant nature.

a slight pleasure

Uses "pleasure" instead of "indulgence", highlighting the enjoyable aspect.

a modest extravagance

Replaces "small indulgence" with a description of its nature, keeping the meaning similar.

a tiny self-reward

Focuses on the aspect of rewarding oneself with something small.

a minimal gratification

Emphasizes the satisfaction derived from something small.

an insignificant delight

Highlights the joyful nature of something small and seemingly unimportant.

a wee bit of pampering

Focuses on the self-care aspect of the indulgence, using more informal language.

a trifling self-gratification

Highlights the aspect of self-gratification.

a trivial self-reward

Emphasizes the casual nature of the reward.

FAQs

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

You can use "a small indulgence" to describe a minor treat or pleasure that one allows oneself. For example, "After a long day, reading a book was "a small indulgence"".

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

Alternatives include "a minor treat", "a little luxury", or "a slight pleasure", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

While grammatically correct, "a small indulgence" might be too informal for certain academic or professional contexts. Consider alternatives such as "a minor luxury" or "a brief respite" for a more serious tone.

What is the difference between "a small indulgence" and "a guilty pleasure"?

"A small indulgence" generally refers to a minor treat without negative connotations. "A guilty pleasure", on the other hand, implies that the person enjoys something despite feeling that it is not socially acceptable or beneficial.