a small object

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a small object" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing the size of an item, particularly in contexts where size is relevant to the discussion. Example: "She picked up a small object from the ground and examined it closely."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's a small object.

Independent

Acoustic microscope, instrument that uses sound waves to produce an enlarged image of a small object.

Britannica

"You can get the same feeling of style in a small object.

The New York Times - Magazine

The mystery object The gentleman is holding a small object in his right hand.

The Guardian

This is a small object, but it elevates the table to a luxury level.

The New York Times

This means even a small object may require hours to emerge from a 3D printer.

The Economist

The developed micromanipulator has been successfully used to move a small object.

Mechatronics

A child should be discouraged from laughing, walking, playing or running with food or a small object in the mouth.

The New York Times - Health

The landing was delayed by one day after a small object was spotted floating near Atlantis in orbit.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Granderson will begin his rehabilitation by taking one-handed swings with a small object in the pool.

The New York Times - Sports

A small object that is very close may appear larger than a large object that is far away.

HCI Beyond the GUI Design for Haptic, Speech, Olfactory, and Other Nontraditional Interfaces

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a small object", consider whether more specific terminology would enhance clarity, such as 'a miniature replica' or 'a compact device'.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on "a small object" in technical writing. Opt for precise descriptors that convey specific attributes (e.g., 'a microchip', 'a miniature sensor').

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a small object" functions as a noun phrase, where 'small' is an adjective modifying the noun 'object'. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a standard and acceptable construction, often used to denote an item of reduced size.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

28%

Science

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Academia

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a small object" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe items of limited size across various contexts. As Ludwig AI points out, it is versatile and suitable for both formal and informal settings. While generally acceptable, writers should consider using more precise terms in technical or specialized contexts to enhance clarity. Common alternatives include "a tiny item" and "a little thing". The phrase's widespread usage is evident in its prevalence across news media, scientific publications, and encyclopedic resources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a tiny item

Focuses on extreme smallness.

a little thing

Emphasizes simplicity and lack of importance.

a miniature artifact

Highlights the diminutive scale of a crafted item.

a compact component

Suggests efficiency and space-saving design.

a minute detail

Focuses on the barely perceptible aspect of something larger.

a negligible entity

Indicates insignificance and lack of impact.

a pocket-sized object

Specifically refers to an object that can fit in a pocket.

a modest piece

Implies simplicity and unpretentiousness.

a scaled-down version

Denotes a reduced-size replica of something.

an undersized element

Suggests that an object is smaller than the expected size.

FAQs

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

You can use "a small object" to describe something diminutive in size, as in "The detective found "a small object" near the crime scene".

What are some alternatives to saying "a small object"?

You can use alternatives like "a tiny item", "a little thing", or "a miniature artifact" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "a small object" versus a more specific term?

Use "a small object" when the exact nature of the object is unknown or irrelevant. When the object is known and specificity is important, use a more descriptive term (e.g., "a microchip", "a miniature sculpture").

Is "a small object" too vague for technical writing?

In technical contexts, "a small object" might be too vague. Consider replacing it with terms that provide more detail about the object's function, material, or dimensions.