a very small

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a very small" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is diminutive in size or quantity. Example: "She found a very small kitten abandoned in the alley."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A: Very small quantities, and we stopped.

Science Magazine

A very small college.

The New Yorker

We're a very small community.

The New Yorker

A very small, wealthy minority.

The New York Times

"It's a very small market.

The New York Times - Tech

(It's a very small country).

The New York Times - Arts

It's a very small flat.

Independent

"It's a very small town.

Independent

A very small one.

The Guardian

A very small portion.

The Guardian - Books

What a very small parcel it was!

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a very small", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being described as small. Providing a reference point enhances understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "a very small" when the context already implies smallness. For example, instead of saying "a very small crumb", simply say "a crumb" if the size is self-evident.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a very small" primarily functions as a descriptive adjective phrase. It modifies a noun to indicate that the noun is of limited size, quantity, or degree. As Ludwig AI pointed out, the phrase is grammatically correct and common in usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Wiki

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a very small" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adjective phrase to describe something of limited size or quantity. As Ludwig AI confirms, its use is correct and widespread. The phrase appears predominantly in news and media, as well as in more informal contexts like wikis and general conversation. While effective, remember to use it judiciously to avoid redundancy. Consider synonyms like "minuscule" or "tiny" for variety, and always ensure that the context justifies the emphasis on smallness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an extremely small

Emphasizes the diminutive quality to an even greater extent.

a remarkably small

Highlights the unexpected or surprising tininess.

an exceptionally small

Stresses that it's outside the norm for being minute.

a particularly small

Focuses on smallness as a noteworthy characteristic.

a notably small

Indicates that the small size is easily observed or recognized.

a decidedly small

Implies a clear and definite smallness.

a considerably small

Suggests that the size is relatively less when compared.

a significantly small

Highlights the importance of its limited size.

a miniature

Refers to something made as a small or reduced version of something else.

a minuscule

Emphasizes the extremely small size, often bordering on insignificant.

FAQs

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

Use "a very small" to describe the size, amount, or extent of something. For example: "She lived in "a very small house"" or "He had "a very small amount of money"".

What phrases are similar to "a very small"?

Similar phrases include "an extremely small", "a minuscule", or "a tiny".

Is it redundant to use "a very small" with inherently small objects?

Yes, using "a very small" with something already understood to be small can be redundant. For instance, "a very small grain of sand" is less effective than simply "a grain of sand".

How does the context affect the use of "a very small"?

Context helps determine if "a very small" is appropriate. In some cases, it adds emphasis, while in others, it can be unnecessary. Ludwig examples can help understand this nuance.