a small item

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a small item" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to an object or thing that is minor in size or significance. Example: "I found a small item on the floor that I think belongs to you."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Do a small item.

The New York Times

A small item caught the eye.

The New York Times

"It's simply a small item, like a zipper.

The Economist

A small item appeared in a Nigerian paper the next day.

The New York Times - Arts

"It's funny such a small item is such a global undertaking," Cutts said.

The New York Times

One newspaper wrote about the activity at the time, but the report appeared as a small item inside the newspaper.

The New York Times

A police spokesman said: "A small item, which appears to be unexploded ordnance, has been recovered on the beach.

The Guardian

The execution of a perspective drawing may require more time than is justified in the design of a small item.

Britannica

Bring a small item to our tables in the courtyard and let us tell you more about it!

University of California, Berkeley

One magazine here, Cambio, ran a small item this week noting that her "proselytizing activities" received more coverage in the foreign press.

The New York Times

In 1957, a keen-eyed New Yorker contributor published a small item about someone who had recently visited an "espresso joint" in Greenwich Village.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a small item", be specific later in the sentence to clarify what the item is, especially if the context doesn't make it immediately clear. For example: "I found a small item, a key, near the door."

Common error

Avoid using "small" repeatedly in close proximity. If you've already established the size is relevant, use alternative descriptors such as "tiny", "minor", or rephrase to emphasize the item's significance instead of just its size.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a small item" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies something that is both limited in size and often of limited importance. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Wiki

15%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a small item" is a common and grammatically correct way to refer to something of limited size or importance. Ludwig AI verifies its usability in written English. It's frequently found in news and media, encyclopedias, academia and wiki contexts, serving to denote a physical object or downplay its significance. When using "a small item", consider clarifying what the item is for added clarity and avoid overuse of the word "small" by seeking alternative descriptors.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a little detail

Similar in meaning, but with a slightly more informal tone.

a minor detail

Focuses on the level of importance rather than the physical size.

an insignificant object

Emphasizes the lack of importance or value of the item.

a slight matter

Emphasizes the limited importance or weight of the issue.

a trivial thing

Highlights the lack of seriousness or consequence associated with the item.

a petite object

Highlights the physical size using the French term "petite".

a negligible amount

Highlights the item's unimportance in terms of quantity or impact.

a modest object

Emphasizes the humble nature of the item.

a secondary consideration

Shifts focus from object itself to its place in a broader context of concerns.

a tiny trinket

Implies a decorative but unimportant and small object.

FAQs

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

You can use "a small item" to refer to something of little size or importance. For instance, "The detective found "a small item" near the crime scene that turned out to be crucial evidence."

What phrases can I use instead of "a small item"?

Alternatives include "a minor detail", "an insignificant object", or "a trivial thing". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it always necessary to specify what the "a small item" is?

While not always necessary, specifying what the "a small item" is can add clarity, especially if the context doesn't immediately reveal what you're referring to. For example, instead of "I lost "a small item"", you could say "I lost a small item, my favorite earring."

When is it appropriate to use "a small item" versus "a minor issue"?

"A small item" refers to a physical object, while "a minor issue" refers to a problem or concern. Use "a small item" when discussing a tangible object of little size and "a minor issue" when discussing an insignificant problem.