a small thing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a small thing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to something that is minor or insignificant in nature or importance. Example: "I know it seems like a small thing, but it really made a difference in my day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Such a small thing.

The New York Times

"It's a small thing.

The New York Times

This isn't a small thing.

The New Yorker

A small thing?

The New Yorker

And that is not a small thing.

The New Yorker

A small thing, but an important one.

The New York Times

"It seems a small thing to you.

The New Yorker

That's not a small thing.

The New Yorker

It's not a small thing to do.

Cornell University

And that's not a small thing.

University of California, Berkeley

RE: Congressman, this isn't a small thing.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Balance the use of "a small thing" with the potential impact it might have. While it may seem insignificant, acknowledge if it contributes to a larger issue or positive outcome.

Common error

Avoid using "a small thing" to dismiss someone's legitimate concerns or feelings, as it can invalidate their experience and damage communication. Instead, acknowledge their perspective before offering a solution or reassurance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a small thing" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject complement or object. As Ludwig AI indicates, it diminishes the importance of something. For example, Ludwig shows it being used to describe gestures or rituals that have an outsized impact.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

18%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a small thing" is a common and versatile expression used to minimize or downplay the significance of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and appears frequently across various contexts, especially in news and media, academic writing, and formal communications. While it can be useful for showing humility or offering reassurance, it's important to avoid using it in ways that dismiss genuine concerns or invalidate someone's feelings. Consider replacing it with alternatives like "a minor detail" or "a trivial matter", depending on the context, to achieve the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a minor detail

Focuses on the aspect of something being a detail rather than a significant element.

a trivial matter

Highlights the lack of importance or seriousness of an issue.

an insignificant detail

Emphasizes the lack of significance of a particular aspect.

a negligible issue

Indicates that the issue is so small it can practically be ignored.

a slight concern

Suggests a minimal level of worry or problem.

a small gesture

Refers to an action that is modest in scale or impact.

a modest thing

Highlights the humble or unassuming nature of something.

a minor concern

Indicates a level of worry that is slightly small in comparison with a major problem.

a petty thing

Implies something is small-minded or of little value.

a light issue

Indicates that an issue is not heavy or serious.

FAQs

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

You can use "a small thing" to downplay the significance of something. For example, "It might seem like "a small thing", but it made a big difference".

What's a good alternative to "a small thing"?

Alternatives include "a minor detail", "a trivial matter", or "an insignificant detail", depending on the context.

When is it inappropriate to use "a small thing"?

It's inappropriate to use "a small thing" when dismissing someone's feelings or concerns, as it can come across as insensitive. Ensure the context warrants minimizing the subject.

What's the difference between "a small thing" and "a minor setback"?

"A small thing" generally refers to something insignificant in itself, while "a minor setback" implies a temporary obstacle in achieving a larger goal.