a small insight

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a small insight" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a minor or limited understanding or perspective on a topic. Example: "After reviewing the data, I gained a small insight into the trends affecting our sales."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

I can offer a small insight into this.

The Guardian - Opinion

It's a tall order and the event in Gateshead gives a small insight into why.

The Guardian

This gives me a small insight into the way my Lebanese friends and colleagues must feel all the time.

The Guardian

The IAAF ethics commission, independent from the IAAF, has given a small insight into the cover-up of doping cases.

Independent

I have accessed legal aid and had a small insight into how the law can work for even the most vulnerable.

The Guardian - Opinion

"He's very rarely reversed". The judge gave a small insight into his feelings about the Jackson case as jury selection began three weeks ago.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

Actually, it is a nice small insight into the Baker mentality that he apparently can imagine a war that is killing young Americans by the hundreds every month but is not our central foreign policy issue.

The Guardian - Opinion

When Maura lights the candles on Shabbat it's not a joke or a punchline but a warm, tender moment that provides another small insight into the character.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

It helped me gain some small insight into a battered person's psychology and is unquestionably worth your time.

Huffington Post

Instead, innovation is a slow process of accretion, building small insight upon interesting fact upon tried-and-true process.

The New York Times

Sometimes a small memorable insight is what's really key, so we make these moments the core of our site.

Duke University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a small insight", ensure the context clearly indicates what the insight is about. This provides clarity and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a small insight" to describe something that is actually a major breakthrough or significant discovery. This can undermine the impact of your statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a small insight" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the object of a verb or preposition to denote a limited understanding. Ludwig provides examples illustrating its use in various contexts, affirming its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Social Media

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a small insight" is a grammatically correct and usable expression for describing a limited or initial understanding. As indicated by Ludwig, it functions as a noun phrase and is found primarily in news, science, and academic contexts. While not extremely common, it is versatile enough for use in various writing styles. For alternatives, consider phrases like "a limited understanding" or "a slight glimpse" to convey a similar meaning. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly indicates the subject of the insight to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a limited understanding

Replaces "insight" with "understanding", emphasizing the restricted scope of knowledge.

a slight glimpse

Substitutes "insight" with "glimpse", suggesting a fleeting or momentary view.

a minor perspective

Replaces "insight" with "perspective", focusing on a particular viewpoint rather than deep understanding.

a brief overview

Shifts from insight to an overview, implying a summary or surface-level understanding.

a hint of understanding

Emphasizes the subtle or indirect nature of the understanding gained.

a touch of awareness

Highlights a minimal level of consciousness or recognition.

a preliminary notion

Implies an initial or early stage of understanding.

a basic appreciation

Focuses on a fundamental or simple level of comprehension.

a narrow view

Indicates a restricted or limited scope of perception.

a superficial knowledge

Suggests a lack of depth or thoroughness in understanding.

FAQs

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

You can use "a small insight" to describe a limited or minor understanding gained about a particular subject. For example, "The data provided "a small insight" into customer behavior".

What's the difference between "a small insight" and "a profound insight"?

"A small insight" suggests a limited understanding, while "a profound insight" indicates a deep and significant understanding. The choice depends on the depth of understanding you want to convey.

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

You can use alternatives like "a limited understanding", "a slight glimpse", or "a minor perspective" depending on the context.

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

Yes, "a small insight" is appropriate for formal writing when you want to convey that your understanding of something is limited or initial. Be sure the context is suitable for mentioning the limited nature of this insight.