a tiny flaw

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a tiny flaw" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a small imperfection or defect in something, whether it's a physical object, a piece of writing, or a plan. Example: "Despite the overall quality of the painting, there was a tiny flaw in the corner that caught my attention."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

If I detect a tiny flaw – a click or something – I'll start again.

The Guardian - Music

Except that there was a tiny flaw in the plan: it, like their defending, was rubbish.

The Guardian - Sport

I suggested to him that there was a tiny flaw in this plan, in that Israel wasn't actually in Europe.

The Guardian - Opinion

Monkey has noticed a tiny flaw in NBC Universal's new "all-reality subscription video-on-demand" service Hayu.

The Guardian

The notion that Jordon Ibe will be an even better player and Liverpool were wise to cash in on a distracted performer also contains a tiny flaw.

The Guardian - Sport

Heavy use of any software will magnify even the smallest flaw — and when it comes to high-frequency trading, a tiny flaw can put millions of dollars at risk before anyone notices.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

He parses toys with an expert eye, looking for any tiny flaw or concern; to date, he has dissected toys from at least eight companies.

Vice

But why quibble with this tiny flaw in a narrative that speaks so astutely to the unspeakable losses inherent in the human condition?

The New York Times - Books

It was a compelling narrative, undermined by one tiny flaw.

The Guardian - Sport

It's a brilliant theory, with just one tiny flaw: it's bollocks.

The Guardian - Arts

Every cell in her body had a tiny, catastrophic flaw, and she could never have survived outside of my body.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing something as having "a tiny flaw", ensure the context emphasizes that the flaw does not significantly impact the overall quality or function. This helps manage expectations and maintain a balanced perspective.

Common error

Avoid using "a tiny flaw" to describe issues that have substantial consequences. This can mislead your audience and undermine the seriousness of the actual problem.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a tiny flaw" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the object or subject complement in a sentence. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness. It describes a minor imperfection or defect, as seen in the examples where it refers to imperfections in plans, designs, or objects.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a tiny flaw" is a grammatically sound and relatively common way to describe a minor imperfection. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and media, although more precise language may be necessary for formal or technical writing. When using this phrase, ensure that the context accurately reflects the minor nature of the flaw to avoid misleading your audience. Alternatives like "minor imperfection" or "slight defect" can be used to convey a similar meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a minor imperfection

Focuses on the imperfection aspect while emphasizing its small significance.

a minute imperfection

Substitutes "tiny" with "minute" to highlight the very small size of the imperfection.

a slight defect

Replaces "flaw" with "defect", indicating a fault or shortcoming that is not major.

a small blemish

Uses "blemish" to suggest a surface-level imperfection, often in appearance.

a negligible fault

Emphasizes the insignificance of the fault or error.

a trivial error

Highlights the unimportance of the mistake.

an insignificant failing

Focuses on the lack of importance of the failure or shortcoming.

a microscopic defect

Implies the flaw is so small it is almost undetectable.

a virtually unnoticeable fault

Highlights that the fault is hard to detect.

a hardly visible imperfection

Suggests that the imperfection is difficult to see.

FAQs

How can I use "a tiny flaw" in a sentence?

You can use "a tiny flaw" to describe a minor imperfection or defect. For example, "The product design was excellent, but there was "a tiny flaw" in the execution."

What can I say instead of "a tiny flaw"?

You can use alternatives like "minor imperfection", "slight defect", or "small blemish" depending on the context.

Is it correct to use "a tiny flaw" in formal writing?

Yes, "a tiny flaw" is acceptable in formal writing, though you might consider more precise or technical terms depending on the subject matter. Alternatives such as "minor anomaly" or "slight deviation" could be suitable in certain contexts.

What's the difference between "a tiny flaw" and "a major defect"?

"A tiny flaw" indicates a small, often insignificant imperfection, while "a major defect" signifies a significant problem that substantially affects functionality or appearance. One is negligible, the other is critical.