a small safety

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a small safety" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are referring to a minor precaution or measure taken to ensure safety. Example: "To ensure a smooth operation, we implemented a small safety by double-checking all equipment before use."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

He carries it, with a small safety pin, in his wallet.

The New York Times

That provides a small safety margin because some of these models can go close to 100 miles an hour.

The New York Times

The team, led by Dr. Katherine High of the Philadelphia children's hospital, began a small safety study after they found the treatment could essentially cure dogs of hemophilia.

The New York Times - Science

Jokes at the expense of many nations are dicey, and Europe has a small safety zone that includes the Austrians and the French.

The New York Times - Books

That provides Singaporeans with the capital to pay for their own housing, pensions and health care and their children's tertiary education.There is a small safety net to cover the very poor and the very sick.

The Economist

If the state falls even further behind on payments to schools, the federal money from the Education Jobs Fund will be used as a small safety net, said Mark Doan, Farmington schools superintendent.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

It was automated and modern, each tiny cell with a white-painted steel door and a small safety-glass window.

The New Yorker

It is about the size of a small safety-deposit box – and those, ever since the financial crisis hit Greece 18 months ago, have become the most sought-after financial products in the country.

The Guardian

The dread zone, a novel concept, describes a zone with a smaller safety margin that drivers will not voluntarily enter, but can push themselves into when conditions provide additional motivation (e.g., when hurried).

Transportation Research Part F: Traffic Psychology and Behaviour

These techniques allow a smaller tumour volume to be defined (CTV) and a smaller safety margin used to cover this volume (PTV).

Cancer Imaging

In addition, a smaller safety panel (hematology, potassium, calcium, alanine aminotransaminase, creatinine and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR)) was performed every two weeks during each study phase.

BMC Psychiatry

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing safety measures, quantify the extent of "a small safety" whenever possible. For example, instead of "a small safety margin", specify "a 5% safety margin" to provide more concrete information.

Common error

Avoid implying that "a small safety" is inherently insufficient. While it may not offer complete protection, it can still be a valuable component of a comprehensive safety strategy. Context matters in assessing its effectiveness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a small safety" functions as a noun phrase where "small" modifies the noun "safety". Ludwig AI correctly identifies it as usable in contexts referring to a minor precaution or measure for ensuring safety. Example: "That provides <span class="lh">a small safety margin".

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a small safety" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that describes a limited or minimal level of protection. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's often used to refer to minor precautions or measures taken to ensure safety. While the phrase appears in various contexts, it is more frequent in "News & Media" and "Science". Related phrases include "a minor safety measure" and "a slight precaution". A key writing tip is to quantify the extent of the safety whenever possible for clarity. Be mindful that "a small safety" isn't inherently inadequate but should be evaluated within its specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a minor safety measure

Replaces "small" with "minor" and "safety" with "measure", focusing on the action taken.

a slight precaution

Uses "precaution" instead of "safety", emphasizing the preventative aspect.

a limited safeguard

Substitutes "safety" with "safeguard" and "small" with "limited", indicating restricted protection.

a narrow margin of safety

Rephrases to highlight the limited scope of the safety provided, focusing on 'margin'.

a minimal safety net

Uses "net" to describe safety as a support system, emphasizing its reduced capacity.

a modest level of security

Replaces "safety" with "security", introducing the concept of protection from threats.

a restricted zone of safety

Adds 'zone' to the main query in order to be more specific, but keeping the semantic.

a reduced hazard

Uses a negative phrasing to describe "safety", by refering to a hazard reduction.

a controlled risk

Focuses on managing risk rather than ensuring complete safety.

a partial protection

Emphasizes that the protection is not complete or comprehensive.

FAQs

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

You can use "a small safety" to describe a minor precaution or measure taken to ensure safety, as in, "The company implemented "a small safety" by conducting daily equipment checks".

What are some alternatives to "a small safety"?

Alternatives include "a minor precaution", "a slight safeguard", or "a limited safety net", depending on the context.

Is it better to aim for "a small safety" or a larger one?

While a larger safety margin is generally preferable, "a small safety" is better than no safety at all. The appropriate level of safety depends on the specific risks involved.

What's the difference between "a small safety" and "a safety net"?

"A safety net" typically refers to a system of support, often financial, to prevent hardship. "A small safety", on the other hand, is a more general term for any limited measure taken to ensure safety. They are related but not interchangeable.