a small need

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a small need" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a minor requirement or desire for something. Example: "In the midst of our busy lives, we often overlook a small need for relaxation and self-care."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

We saw a small need and filled it; we adopted a family and embraced the season as we saw it.

Los Angeles Times

Prices for rubber and coffee plummeted; the war had only a small need for rubber, and Britain allowed no coffee into Europe as space on merchant ships was reserved for "essential items".

Wikipedia

Whatever the use of our model, a good feature is the limited number of variables, which implies a small need for manual input, and an increased likelihood that the model will actually be used in a busy healthcare environment.

BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

The city also calculates a smaller need for beds than the coalition does.

The New York Times

A smaller need for foreign funds would itself put a floor under the dollar.All told, the doom-mongers' script may play out in reverse.

The Economist

The main addition of those works is to increase the resilience of the network against node capture and ensure a smaller need for communication intermediate paths.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

And why does a young startup, with such a small staff, need a huge cash infusion?

TechCrunch

Our results, derived from a small sample, need confirmation in larger controlled studies.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

"Our country gains because of reduced greenhouse emissions and a much smaller need for imported oil.

The New York Times

There are also 10 cup holders; don't ask why a car this small needs so many.

The New York Times

A small business needs to have seamless access.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a small need", ensure that the context clearly establishes what is being referred to. For example, "Addressing a small need in the community can have a large impact."

Common error

Avoid using "a small need" to describe something that is actually critical or urgent. This can undermine the seriousness of the situation and mislead the audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a small need" functions as a noun phrase, where "small" is an adjective modifying the noun "need". Ludwig examples show it describing minor requirements or problems.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a small need" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that describes a minor requirement or desire. Ludwig examples show its usage across various contexts, including news, science, and general writing. The Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. While the phrase is relatively infrequent, it serves the purpose of identifying and characterizing a need as being minor or insignificant. When using this phrase, it is important to ensure that the context clearly defines what the need is and to avoid using it when the need is actually critical or urgent. Related phrases such as "minor requirement" or "slight necessity" may also be used, depending on the specific nuance desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a minor requirement

Emphasizes the insignificance of the requirement.

a slight necessity

Focuses on the minimal level of essentiality.

a trivial demand

Highlights the unimportance of the demand.

a minimal desire

Indicates a very low level of wanting or wishing.

a negligible requirement

Stresses the unimportance of the requirement.

a modest request

Highlights the humble nature of the request.

a limited demand

Indicates a restriction or constraint on the demand.

a reduced necessity

Implies a decrease in the level of essentiality.

a basic requirement

Focuses on the fundamental or essential nature of the requirement.

an undersized demand

Indicates the demand is below the expected size.

FAQs

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

You can use "a small need" to describe a minor requirement or desire. For example, "Addressing "a small need" in the office improved employee morale."

What are some alternatives to "a small need"?

Alternatives include "a minor requirement", "a slight necessity", or "a trivial demand", depending on the context.

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

Yes, it's acceptable in formal writing, but consider more precise synonyms like "a modest request" or "a limited demand" for greater clarity.

When is it best to avoid using the phrase "a small need"?

Avoid using "a small need" when the requirement is actually critical or urgent, as it may downplay the severity of the situation. Consider using phrases like "critical requirement" or "urgent necessity" instead.