a small tale

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a small tale" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a brief story or narrative, often with a whimsical or light-hearted tone. Example: "Once upon a time, in a quiet village, there was a small tale about a brave little mouse who saved the day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

A small tale, generally of love.

Yale University

Skellig, for all its wondrousness, was in technical terms a small tale simply told.

The Guardian

"It's a small tale about a young girl that I've been working on for about a year.

Independent

This is a small tale of the city, of a worried mother and of her new son, born ill.

The New York Times

The filmmakers call it "the rise and fall of the American dream," but the documentary is actually a squirmingly uncomfortable close-up of the Internet market mania of the last few years: a small tale that, under examination, tells a much bigger story.

The New York Times

A small tale: A woman once wrote that she was very happy that she had learned yoga.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

The original Wastedland was a smaller tale - a petri dish of ideas that expanded and took root in a showier piece of exploration and mystery with higher production values.

HuffPost

Simpler in its sweetness is Our Little Sister (Curzon, PG), an unashamedly small tale of sibling bonds lost and found that accrues power with its accumulation of fine domestic (and fragrantly culinary) details.

The Guardian - Film

After the militaristic action of its predecessors, this third game in the shooter series opts to tell a more intimate story, a small-scale tale of survival against impossible odds.

The Guardian - Tech

Thus, to our surprise, this small tale becomes a road movie, of sorts, and a journey back into a divisive past.

The New Yorker

"It is a small fairy tale for us at Swansea," he said, "but a bigger one for Bradford".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a small tale" when you want to emphasize the simplicity and brevity of a story, often suggesting a focus on personal or intimate themes.

Common error

While acceptable, overuse of "a small tale" can sound overly whimsical or informal in academic or professional writing. Opt for more neutral terms like "short story" or "brief narrative" in those settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a small tale" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence. It refers to a short story or narrative. As Ludwig AI points out, this phrase is generally usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Academia

13%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Science

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a small tale" is a grammatically correct and usable noun phrase that refers to a short, often personal or intimate story. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability in written English. While not as frequent as "a short story", it is commonly found in news and media contexts. When using this phrase, consider the level of formality required by your audience, opting for more neutral language in academic or professional settings. The best practice is to employ "a small tale" when emphasizing simplicity and personal themes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a short story

Replaces 'tale' with 'story', emphasizing the brevity of the narrative.

a brief narrative

Uses 'narrative' instead of 'tale', providing a more formal tone.

a little anecdote

Suggests a personal and often humorous short account.

a concise account

Highlights the succinctness and factual nature of the story.

a miniature epic

Paradoxically presents a short story with epic characteristics.

a pocket-sized drama

Emphasizes the dramatic elements within a small scale.

a fleeting story

Highlights the ephemeral nature of the narrative.

a compact narrative

Stresses the efficient and condensed nature of the story.

a bite-sized story

Implies that the story is easily consumed or understood.

a slim narrative

Suggests the story is not only short, but also lacks complexity.

FAQs

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

You can use "a small tale" to refer to a short, often personal or intimate story. For example, "The author's new book features a collection of "a small tale" about everyday life."

What are some alternatives to "a small tale"?

Alternatives include "a short story", "a brief narrative", or "a little anecdote", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "a small tale" formal or informal?

"A small tale" leans towards the informal side. In more formal writing, consider using phrases like "a concise account" or "a brief report" instead.

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

While similar, "a small tale" often implies a more personal or intimate feel compared to "a short story", which is a more general term for a brief work of fiction.