a small loophole

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a small loophole" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a minor gap or weakness in a system, law, or argument that can be exploited. Example: "The new regulations have a small loophole that allows companies to avoid certain taxes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

MOSCOW — When Russia carried out sweeping restrictions on gambling this month, closing thousands of casinos and slots parlors, their owners grasped at a small loophole.

The New York Times

The constitution offers a small loophole, however: the president may "fill up all vacancies that may happen during the recess of the Senate, by granting commissions which shall expire at the end of their next session".

The Economist

The law that Education Secretary Betsy DeVos is reportedly eyeing as a potential $1 billion honeypot for giving guns to schools could technically offer a small loophole to funnel the money.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

And, since April 1st, it has replaced "exceptional leave to remain", which allowed failed asylum-seekers to stay when they could not be sent home, with a smaller loophole.The Home Office says all this has already dented the numbers arriving, and tougher deportation procedures will make the system less leaky.

The Economist

Data compiled by the OECD, a rich-country think-tank, highlight how many patents are owned by outfits in such unlikely innovation hubs as Barbados, the Cayman Islands and Bermuda.In both Britain and America, businesses have been lobbying for cuts in marginal corporate-tax rates, even if this meant losing a few small loopholes, and had started to get somewhere.

The Economist

In a move of utter cynicism, foes of Shays-Meehan are planning to offer an amendment throwing out this small loophole, in hopes of forcing the bill into conference and killing it.

The New York Times

The Pinochet case is important because the law lords found one small loophole: it does not protect an ex-official of a state from prosecution for crimes against humanity, such as genocide or torture, where sovereign immunity is overridden by an international convention.

The Guardian

Well, it has found a small technical loophole in the law.

Huffington Post

A new "superachiever credit" offers a much smaller loophole.There are similar protests about the number of hours welfare recipients have to work.

The Economist

Baby-theft cases provided one small loophole to the amnesty laws: parents who were judged in court to be guilty of having adopted — or "appropriated" — the children of the disappeared while knowing the truth about their origins could be imprisoned.

The New Yorker

Baby-theft cases provided one small loophole to the amnesty laws: parents who were judged in court to be guilty of having adopted or "appropriated"—the children of the disappeared while knowing the truth about their origins could be imprisoned.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a small loophole" when describing a minor, often unintended, exception or ambiguity in a rule, law, or system that can be exploited or circumvented.

Common error

Avoid using "a small loophole" when referring to substantial or intentional flaws in a system. This phrase implies a minor oversight, not a major design flaw or intentional bypass.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a small loophole" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. Ludwig AI indicates that it is used to denote a minor, often unintended, exception or ambiguity in a rule, law, or system.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Reference

3%

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a small loophole" is a noun phrase used to describe a minor, often unintended, exception in a rule or law. According to Ludwig AI, it carries a neutral to slightly critical tone, often appearing in news and business contexts when discussing ways around regulations. While grammatically correct and frequently used, it's crucial to ensure that the "loophole" is indeed minor and not a significant flaw. Consider alternatives like "a minor technicality" or "a slight oversight" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a minor technicality

Focuses on the technical and often trivial nature of the exception.

a slight oversight

Emphasizes the unintentional nature and minimal impact of the omission.

a narrow exception

Highlights the limited scope and specific applicability of the exemption.

a legal technicality

Specifies that the loophole exists within the legal framework.

a minor exclusion

Indicates that something is left out, but only in a limited capacity.

a tiny crack

Metaphorically describes a small flaw in a system or rule.

a slim chance

Implies that the loophole offers only a minimal opportunity.

an insignificant omission

Downplays the importance or impact of the missing element.

a petty way out

Suggests that the means of evasion is trivial or somewhat dishonorable.

a triviality in the system

Emphasis is on the little importance of the loophole and how it can be negligible for the system overall.

FAQs

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

You can use "a small loophole" to describe a minor flaw or exception in a rule or law that allows someone to avoid its intended consequences. For example, "The company found "a small loophole" in the tax code."

What are some alternatives to "a small loophole"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "a minor technicality", "a slight oversight", or "a narrow exception".

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

Yes, "a small loophole" is suitable for both formal and informal writing, particularly when discussing legal, financial, or regulatory matters where precision is important. However, ensure the context warrants a description of something as small or insignificant.

What's the difference between "a small loophole" and "a major flaw"?

"A small loophole" refers to a minor, often unintended, way to avoid a rule or law, while "a major flaw" indicates a significant defect that undermines the entire system or process.