a small line

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a small line" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a line that is short in length or thin in width, often in contexts related to drawing, writing, or measurements. Example: "Please draw a small line on the paper to indicate where the cut should be made."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A small line of police watched the protest.

The Guardian

There was a small line of people outside the Guggenheim on Friday morning.

The Guardian - Arts

A small line had formed outside the museum before the doors were to open.

The Guardian - Books

A small line had formed outside the shrine of Lara Jonggrang, the mythical princess.

The New York Times - Travel

They are exempt from state taxes and have a small line of credit with the Treasury.

The New York Times

A small line of people waited outside a separate display for Tiffany & Company jewelry.

The New York Times

Out front, a new daily ritual was under way: a small line was forming.

The New York Times - Travel

His first imitation came while gazing at a photograph of a small line of skiers in an Aspen glade.

The Washington Post

A small line of reporters hisses out of the press box toward the lounge, like helium leaking from a balloon.

The New Yorker

There was a small line at the bottom of the page that read, "PS Please send me a cigarette".

The Guardian

The electrode of the partial curve with a small line diameter performs the best for the electropolishing.

Journal of Materials Processing Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing physical objects or drawings, use "a small line" to indicate a line that is both short in length and/or thin in width. For greater precision, consider "a short line" or "a thin line" depending on the context.

Common error

Avoid using "a small line" when you intend to convey insignificance in a figurative sense. Instead of saying 'There's a small line between success and failure', opt for phrases like 'fine line' or 'narrow margin' to better capture the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a small line" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object in a sentence. As demonstrated by Ludwig AI and the many examples, it describes a line that has limited length or width.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a small line" is a versatile phrase used to describe lines of limited length or width, is deemed grammatically correct by Ludwig AI. Predominantly used in News & Media, Science, and Wiki contexts, it functions as a noun phrase with a descriptive or instructional purpose. While suitable for various registers, it is most common in neutral settings. For alternatives, consider "a thin line" or "a short line" for greater precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a thin line

Focuses on the narrowness or slenderness of the line.

a short line

Emphasizes the brevity or limited length of the line.

a minimal line

Highlights the line's simplicity or lack of complexity.

a narrow line

Similar to "a thin line", but can also imply constraint or restriction.

a slight line

Suggests the line is barely perceptible or insignificant.

a little line

Similar to "a small line", but slightly more informal.

a trace of a line

Emphasizes the faintness or near invisibility of the line.

a hairline

Specifically refers to an extremely fine or delicate line.

a fine line

Implies precision or delicacy in the line's creation or appearance.

a dash

Focuses on a brief stroke, implying brevity and simplicity.

FAQs

What does "a small line" mean?

The phrase "a small line" generally refers to a line that is short in length or thin in width. The specific meaning depends on the context in which it's used.

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

You can use "a small line" to describe physical lines, such as "Draw "a small line" to mark the center", or figurative ones, such as "There's "a small line" of code to modify".

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

You can use alternatives like "a thin line", "a short line", or "a minimal line" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "a little line" instead of "a small line"?

Yes, "a little line" is grammatically correct and conveys a similar meaning to "a small line", although it is slightly more informal.