a small upset

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a small upset" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a minor disturbance or disappointment in a situation, often in contexts like sports or personal events. Example: "The team's loss was a small upset, as they were expected to win the match easily."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

In a small upset, he did.

The New York Times - Sports

Petrova, the veteran, scored a small upset against the No. 15 seed, Lucie Safarova, on Friday, but her run ends here under a barrage of Sharapova bombs.

The New York Times

So far, there is a small upset coming out of the national championships on Sunday, the results of which traditionally determine the Olympic team, but not this year.

The Guardian - Opinion

In Edinburgh Southern, the SNP-held seat which is contiguous to Labour's last Westminster seat of Edinburgh South, there is quiet confidence of a small upset.

The Guardian

For example, a No. 6 seed beating a No. 11 is not an upset, a No. 10 seed beating a No. 7 is a small upset, and a No. 15 seed beating a No. 2 is a really big upset.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

You may recall that small upset in Florida, of course; even if you accept that Mr Bush won the electoral college fairly, which by most measures he did, there is the awkward point that Al Gore won more votes.

The Economist

The idea of an exodus, however small, upsets some elected officials.

The New York Times

I'm a little upset about it.

BMC Nephrology

I do not worry that this small half of a small island will upset the supply and demand balance of high end coffee, my worries are more fundamental, like getting all my farmers through the season in one piece.

The New York Times

When the group made the return trip, she said "there was a small group that was upset".

The Guardian

Even a smaller vote could upset the political kaleidoscope.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a small upset" to describe situations where there is an unexpected or unwanted outcome, but the overall impact is minimal and manageable. It is especially useful in contexts like sports, politics, or business, where unexpected events can occur without derailing broader objectives.

Common error

Avoid using "a small upset" when the event has significant or far-reaching consequences. Overstating the significance of an event can undermine your credibility and misrepresent the true impact of the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a small upset" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes an event or situation that deviates from expectations in a minor way, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a small upset" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe a minor and unexpected deviation from expectations. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is appropriate in various contexts, particularly in news and media, but should be used judiciously to avoid overstating the significance of an event. While alternatives like ""a minor setback"" or ""a slight disturbance"" exist, "a small upset" offers a concise way to acknowledge an anomaly without exaggerating its impact. Considering its neutral register, it is a versatile phrase suitable for diverse writing scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a minor disruption

Focuses on the disruptive aspect of the event, emphasizing its limited impact.

a slight disturbance

Emphasizes the mildness of the disturbance caused.

a negligible setback

Highlights the minimal impact on progress or goals.

a mild surprise

Shifts the focus to the unexpected nature of the event, downplaying any negative consequences.

a trivial reversal

Emphasizes the insignificance of the change in fortune or outcome.

a minor inconvenience

Highlights the troublesome but unimportant nature of the event.

a modest challenge

Focuses on the event as a test of resilience rather than a failure.

a light annoyance

Underscores the irritation caused by the event, while minimizing its severity.

a small hiccup

Uses a more informal term to describe a temporary and insignificant problem.

a limited difficulty

Stresses the circumscribed nature of the problem, highlighting its manageable scope.

FAQs

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

You can use "a small upset" to describe a minor, unexpected setback or surprise. For example, "The team's loss was "a small upset", but they are confident they will recover in the next game."

What are some alternatives to "a small upset"?

Alternatives include "a minor setback", "a slight disturbance", or "a mild surprise", depending on the specific context and the aspect you want to emphasize.

Is it appropriate to use "a small upset" in formal writing?

Yes, "a small upset" is generally appropriate for formal writing, especially in news or analytical contexts. However, consider the specific tone and audience. In highly formal or academic writing, a more precise or technical term might be preferred.

What distinguishes "a small upset" from "a major upset"?

"A small upset" implies that the event is unexpected but has limited impact, while "a major upset" suggests a more significant and consequential surprise. The key difference lies in the scale and implications of the event.