a small treasure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a small treasure" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is valuable or cherished, but not necessarily large in size. Example: "The old locket she found in her grandmother's attic was a small treasure that held many memories."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

The whole album is a small treasure.

The New Yorker

"Yes, a small treasure — perhaps gold, but not diamonds.

The New Yorker

Describes her apartment on Fifth Avenue which holds a small treasure trove Tannings and Ernsts.

The New Yorker

She begins stealing jewels and money from the residents of the old-age home, amassing a small treasure that will become the key to her escape.

The New York Times - Books

There's a small treasure trove of music reportage amid the elysian cultural fields of Jonathan Lethem's recent essay collection, "The Ecstasy of Influence".

The New York Times - Books

In Soho, Leslie-Lohman Museum of Gadmissionsbian Art (admission free) is a small treasure that celebrates the work of queer artists past and present.

The Guardian - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Other uses include: Adding to a collage or picture, toys for children over 3, decorations on children's lunchboxes/bags/totes/water bottles, etc., attachments to gift cards or gift wrapping, a decoration for a small treasures box lid, etc.

WikiHow

The release of a smaller treasure trove was announced by the Creative Music Studio (CMS), the institution that pioneered education in free jazz in the 1970s and '80s.

Encyclopedia Britannica

June 14 2014 December 14 201414 This small treasure of a show, featuring a velvety soundtrack from the Hindustani sitarist Ustad Shujaat Husain Khan, looks at artists who translated the moods of Indian classical music into exquisite paintings.

The New Yorker

Davis Museum at Wellesley No, this small treasure of a show is not about the pop singer.

The New York Times - Arts

This small treasure of a museum mounts shows every few months featuring the history of transportation in New York from trolleys to subways to commuter trains.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a small treasure" to describe something that holds significant personal value or sentimental meaning, even if it's not outwardly impressive or expensive. This adds a layer of intimacy and personal connection to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "a small treasure" to describe something that is already widely recognized as valuable or important. The phrase is more effective when highlighting the unexpected value of something seemingly ordinary.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a small treasure" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject complement or object of a verb. It describes something of value, though not necessarily large in physical size or monetary worth, consistent with examples found by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

13%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a small treasure" is grammatically sound and functions as a noun phrase to describe something valuable, despite its size. Ludwig's AI analysis and real-world examples show that it is primarily used in news and media, wiki, and formal business contexts to express appreciation or highlight the intrinsic value of an object or experience. Although "a small treasure" isn't frequently used (uncommon), the linguistic AI considers the expression correct and understandable. When using this expression, avoid overusing it in grand contexts and remember the phrase is particularly effective when highlighting the unexpected value of something seemingly ordinary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a minor treasure

Substitutes 'small' with 'minor', emphasizing the relative unimportance in scale.

a little gem

Replaces 'treasure' with 'gem', indicating something precious and beautiful.

a hidden gem

Adds 'hidden' to suggest the treasure is not easily found or recognized.

a modest treasure

Uses 'modest' instead of 'small', highlighting the humility or lack of extravagance.

a tiny treasure

Emphasizes the diminutive size using 'tiny'.

a petite treasure

Replaces 'small' with the French-derived 'petite', adding a touch of elegance.

a precious find

Shifts the focus to the act of discovering something valuable.

a valuable trinket

Replaces 'treasure' with 'trinket', implying a decorative or sentimental value.

a keepsake of worth

Rephrases the idea as something kept for its value or sentiment.

a cherished item

Highlights the emotional value and the act of cherishing the object.

FAQs

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

You can use "a small treasure" to describe an object, place, or experience that is valuable or cherished, despite its size or apparent insignificance. For example: "The old book was "a small treasure", filled with handwritten notes and memories."

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

You can use alternatives like "a minor treasure", "a little gem", or "a precious find" depending on the context.

Is "a small treasure" formal or informal?

"A small treasure" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it is more common in descriptive or narrative writing than in highly formal academic or business documents.

What makes something "a small treasure"?

Something becomes "a small treasure" when it holds significant personal or sentimental value, despite not being outwardly grand or expensive. It's the emotional or historical significance that elevates it.