a small work

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a small work" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a piece of work that is relatively small in size, scope, or scale. For example, "She completed a small work of art in just one week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

"Stillshot" is a small work, half the length of the first movement of Schubert's Quintet.

Los Angeles Times

The collector material should have a small work function.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It's a small work of thick but ribbon-like bronze.

The New York Times

It's a small work, perfectly designed for the competition format.

The Guardian

A small work area was equipped with several outlets, a (white) desk and chair.

The New York Times - Travel

Its suspension brought predicted protests from the Sandinista unions, beginning with a small work slowdown.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

It is a small, working farm in whose life guests are welcome to take part.

The New York Times - Arts

A small working age population has negative impacts on young people and local economic activity.

IZA Journal of Labor Policy

"We have a small working party to put the flesh on the bones about what we discussed last week in Paris.

BBC

It means our putative 24-year-old faces a future of a small working population supporting a large number of elderly people.

BBC

With a small, working model at their CES booth I was shown how the technology works.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing artistic creations or academic papers, use "a small work" to indicate a piece that is limited in scope or size. For example, "The artist presented a small work showcasing her initial ideas."

Common error

Avoid using "a small work" when you mean to say the work is insignificant or unimportant. "Small" refers to physical dimensions or scope, not necessarily value. Instead, use adjectives like 'minor', 'unimportant', or 'insignificant' to express lack of importance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a small work" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence. According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct. Examples show it describing various entities like art pieces, musical compositions, or tasks.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Encyclopedias

23%

Science

13%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

2%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a small work" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to denote something limited in size, scope, or scale. Ludwig confirms its correctness and prevalence across various sources. The phrase is versatile, fitting in neutral to formal contexts, as seen in news articles, encyclopedias, and scientific publications. When using "a small work", ensure that the focus is on size rather than inherent value, and consider alternatives like "a short work" or "a minor work" for subtle differences in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a short work

Focuses on brevity or duration rather than physical size.

a minor work

Emphasizes the relative importance or significance of the work.

a limited work

Highlights constraints or boundaries affecting the work's scope.

a tiny work

Stresses extremely small size or scale.

a compact work

Highlights the efficient use of space or resources.

a brief work

Similar to "a short work", emphasizing conciseness.

a miniature work

Implies a very small and detailed version of something.

a reduced work

Highlights a decrease in size or scope compared to a standard.

a scaled-down work

Focuses on a reduction in size while maintaining proportions.

a little work

A more informal way of saying "a small work".

FAQs

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

You can use "a small work" to describe something that is limited in size or scope. For example, "The student submitted a small work as part of the course requirements."

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

You can use alternatives like "a short work", "a minor work", or "a limited work" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to describe a project as "a small work"?

Yes, it's appropriate if the project is limited in scope or duration. It implies that the project is not extensive or complex.

What's the difference between "a small work" and "a little work"?

"A small work" is generally used in more formal contexts, while "a little work" is more informal. They both refer to something requiring a limited amount of effort or being of limited size.