a small kind

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a small kind" is not standard in written English and may sound awkward or unclear.
It could be used in contexts where you are trying to describe a specific type or category that is small in size, but it is better to use more precise language. Example: "There is a small kind of bird that often visits my garden."

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

She is nearly forty, a small, kind woman on vacation with her oldest friend; she is a linguistics professor at a college in California and is used to being in charge of things, of people.

The New Yorker

Ali Nourbakhsh, from Rachel's Challenge, gave an interactive speech to show how a small kind act could spur a chain reaction.

Los Angeles Times

Ulzzangs also like to have a small, kind of pointy nose, so if your nose isn't small or a "button nose," you can contour it, but be careful to make it look as natural as possible.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

A self-proclaimed Star Trek-loving science nerd who grew up obsessed with the thought of one day traveling into space himself, today Holliday's much more interested in a smaller kind of "space race" happening here on Planet Earth.

Forbes

Whether they realized it or not, these goodwill ambassadors helped make the world a smaller, kinder and richer place for me.

Huffington Post

Buy a mesh laundry bag, the small kind you can find at Walmart or Target.

WikiHow

"I think he has the mindset of a small government, kind of 'leave me alone, let me do what I wanna do' kind of thing," he said.

The Guardian

It's a small but kind gesture.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"And here were living examples, the people who had been on that anthology, and you could sit in a small wooden kind of room and be with them.

The New York Times

They then asked 10 men and women to repeatedly drive a small screw the kind used in smartphone assembly into a three-millimeter socket.

MIT Technology Review

It's such a small, teenage kind of moment.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for precision, replace "a small kind" with a more specific term that captures the exact nuance you intend, such as "a smaller type", "a minor variety", or "a miniature version".

Common error

Avoid using "a small kind" in formal or academic writing where a more precise and sophisticated vocabulary is expected. Opt for alternatives like "a limited variety" or "a specialized type" to enhance clarity and professionalism.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a small kind" functions primarily as a modifier followed by a noun, designating a particular type or category that is limited in size or scope. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase can be acceptable although is better to be used more precise language.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a small kind" is used to describe a specific type or variety that is limited in size or scope. Ludwig AI suggests that while the phrase isn't incorrect, it is better to be more precise in language and use alternatives. This phrase tends to appear in news, media and wiki sources. Therefore, consider using more descriptive alternatives in academic, formal, or professional contexts to enhance clarity and precision. Some alternatives are "a minor type", "a limited variety" or "a scaled-down form".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a minor type

Replaces "small" with "minor", emphasizing insignificance or lesser importance.

a limited variety

Substitutes "kind" with "variety", suggesting a restricted or narrow assortment.

a little sort

Uses "little" for "small" and "sort" for "kind", creating a more informal tone.

a miniature version

Emphasizes the reduced size of the item using "miniature version".

a scaled-down form

Highlights the reduction in scale or size of something.

a compact type

Replaces "small" with "compact", focusing on the efficient use of space.

a reduced category

Uses "reduced" instead of "small", stressing the decreased scope or extent of the category.

a petite class

Employs "petite" to describe the size and "class" as the category.

a trimmed variety

Suggests a smaller selection through the concept of reduction or trimming.

a scaled down version

It focuses on the reduced size or scope, but may imply less value.

FAQs

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

You can use "a small kind" to describe a diminutive type or variety of something, as in "That shop sells "a small kind" of artisanal cheese." However, consider if a more specific term would be clearer.

What are some alternatives to "a small kind"?

Depending on the context, you could use "a minor type", "a limited variety", or "a miniature version" instead of "a small kind".

Is "a small kind" grammatically correct?

While not strictly incorrect, "a small kind" can sound awkward to some. It's generally better to opt for more precise and commonly used alternatives for improved clarity and style.

When is it appropriate to use "a small kind"?

It may be appropriate in informal settings or when aiming for a slightly understated tone. However, in formal writing, consider using alternatives like "a specialized type" or "a narrow category" for greater precision.