a small note

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'a small note' is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a written communication that is brief, such as a post-it note or a brief letter. For example: "I left a small note on the fridge for you to read when you got home."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A small note hangs on the wall, written in letters snipped from newspapers.

The Guardian - Arts

Sitting inside the safe was a small note that said, in simple handwriting, "I was raped".

The New York Times

There's a small note of apology in his voice, and yet I'm suddenly lighthearted.

The New York Times

But in yesterday's so-called beauty contest in the Golden State, there was a small note of warning.

The New York Times

A small note: I have seen pictures online of all this served on a dreaded board at the Bull & Ram.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"I got a small note from the teacher that I was a bit too slow," he said.

The New York Times

I'm going to walk you through that piece very quickly also and then just end on a small note.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

In a small note of poetic justice, the Costa Rican C albomarginata with which C moranii was initially confused was named by none other than Dr Robbin Moran.

The Guardian

A small note on the Sky magazine masthead in 2011 told readers: "£2.20 of your package price is paid by you to BSkyB Publications Ltd for this magazine".

The Guardian

If they have a small note, they may do fine on some tasks but the minute those tasks overload the Post-it they start struggling.

The Guardian

Just a small note: just because Hugh Jackman in Les Miserables absolutely destroyed the credibility of vibrato doesn't mean you can't deploy it periodically.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a small note" in your writing, ensure the context clearly indicates whether you are referring to a physical note or a subtle observation. For increased clarity, consider adding descriptive details.

Common error

While "a small note" is versatile, avoid using it excessively in formal documents. Opt for more precise terms like "briefing note" or "memorandum" to maintain professionalism.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a small note" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. As seen in Ludwig, it denotes a brief written message or a subtle observation, as indicated by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Wiki

20%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Science

7%

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a small note" is a common and grammatically correct way to refer to a brief written message or a subtle observation. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it is versatile and used across various contexts, primarily in News & Media, Wiki, and Academic sources. While generally neutral in tone, it's essential to choose more formal alternatives like "memorandum" or "briefing note" in professional settings. When writing, ensure that the context clarifies whether you are discussing a physical note or an implied detail.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A brief message

Focuses on the brevity of the written communication.

A short memo

Highlights the conciseness and formality of the information.

A quick reminder

Emphasizes the function of the note as a prompt.

A little annotation

Focuses on the addition of extra information.

A marginal comment

Highlights the placement of the note.

A succinct observation

Emphasizes the brief yet insightful nature of the note.

A passing remark

Highlights the casualness of the comment.

A minor detail

Focuses on the insignificance of the note's content.

A light suggestion

Highlights the non-compulsory nature of the content.

A fleeting thought

Emphasizes the speed or temporality of a short message.

FAQs

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

You can use "a small note" to refer to a brief written message, for instance, "I left "a small note" on your desk" or to indicate a subtle observation as in, "There was "a small note" of sarcasm in her voice".

What's the difference between "a small note" and "a short note"?

While both phrases are similar, "a small note" often implies a physical note of limited size, whereas "a short note" refers to the brevity of the message, regardless of the physical size.

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

You can use alternatives like "a brief message", "a quick reminder", or "a succinct observation" depending on the context.

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

While acceptable, "a small note" is generally more suitable for informal or neutral contexts. For formal writing, consider alternatives like "a memorandum" or "a briefing note" for enhanced professionalism.