a small wind

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a small wind" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a gentle or light breeze in various contexts, such as weather descriptions or poetic expressions. Example: "As I sat by the lake, I felt a small wind rustling the leaves around me."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

A small wind and the rumpled clouds' reflection.

The New Yorker

I heard it stop like a small wind..

The New York Times - Books

Now she hopes to find out whether a small wind turbine is a practical design.

The New York Times

A small wind deflector seems intended to reduce the number of bugs in your teeth.

The New York Times

Another proposal is to attach a small wind turbine to the chimney stack.

The Guardian

I saw a small wind turbine on a ridge in the distance.

The New Yorker

The multivariable control system is implemented in a small wind turbine laboratory system.

Renewable Energy

A small wind turbine and three solar panels connected to a battery demonstrate alternative sources of energy.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Tip-speed ratio and hill-climbing control methods for maximum-power extraction from a small wind-turbine are investigated.

Applied Energy

A small wind-turbine with furling mechanism and its resulting dynamics are modelled using Matlab/Simulinkplatform in this paper.

Applied Energy

To accomplish this, the underside of adVenture contains a small wind-farm of 6 propellers that translate the wind into electrical power.

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing wind turbines or energy generation, consider replacing the phrase with "a small wind turbine" or similar, for increased clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "a small wind" in technical or scientific writing when a more precise term like "low wind speed" or a specific measurement (e.g., "5 mph wind") is required. Precision enhances credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a small wind" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It acts as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence. Ludwig confirms its proper usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a small wind" is grammatically sound and frequently employed across various domains, as validated by Ludwig's extensive examples. It functions descriptively, adding a touch of subtlety and gentleness to the imagery. While versatile, it's essential to consider the context and opt for more precise language in technical or scientific settings. The phrase is best suited for neutral to informal registers, lending itself well to news articles and descriptive narratives. Given its widespread use, mastering the art of incorporating "a small wind" can enrich writing with evocative imagery.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a gentle breeze

Describes a very light and pleasant wind, focusing on its mildness.

a light wind

Emphasizes the lack of force or intensity in the wind.

a slight breeze

Highlights the barely perceptible nature of the wind.

a mild gust

Indicates a brief and gentle puff of air.

a faint zephyr

Uses a more poetic and delicate term for a light wind.

a soft air

Emphasizes the gentle and non-intrusive quality of the wind.

a whisper of wind

Creates a metaphorical description of the wind's quietness.

a breath of air

Compares the wind to a subtle and refreshing intake of air.

a zephyr

A literary term for a mild breeze.

a light gust

Describes a short instance of a light wind.

FAQs

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

"A small wind" is typically used to describe a gentle or light breeze. For example, "A small wind rustled the leaves in the garden."

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

You can use alternatives like "a gentle breeze", "a light wind", or "a slight breeze" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "a small wind" or should it be "a little wind"?

Both "a small wind" and "a little wind" are grammatically correct, but "a small wind" is more common and generally preferred in descriptive writing. "A little wind" might be used in more informal contexts.

What's the difference between "a small wind" and "a breeze"?

"A breeze" generally implies a pleasant and gentle wind. "A small wind" can describe a wind of any strength, as long as it's not strong, while "a breeze" has more connotations of light intensity and pleasantness.