a very small ladder

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a very small ladder" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe the size of a ladder that is notably smaller than typical ladders. Example: "To reach the top shelf, I needed to grab a very small ladder from the garage."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

It was a very small ladder.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

A: Very small quantities, and we stopped.

Science Magazine

Hazardous activities such as climbing on ladders, standing on an unstable surface or playing sports account for a very small percentage of falls (Tinetti et al 1988).

Clinical interventions in aging

A very small college.

The New Yorker

A very small, wealthy minority.

The New York Times

A very small one.

The Guardian

A very small portion.

The Guardian - Books

A very small shape, like a cloud.

The New Yorker

We're a very small community.

The New Yorker

What a very small parcel it was!

Independent

"Baltimore is a very small town.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the size of an object, consider whether "very small" is the most precise descriptor. Synonyms like "tiny" or "miniature" might be more evocative, and always provide context for how the size impacts the object's purpose or usability.

Common error

Avoid using "very" excessively. While grammatically correct, overuse can weaken your writing. Instead of "a very small ladder", consider stronger alternatives such as "a miniature ladder" or "a tiny ladder" for a more impactful description.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a very small ladder" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying the noun "ladder". It provides a description of the ladder's size, indicating that it is notably smaller than typical ladders. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Wiki

33%

Science

32%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a very small ladder" is a grammatically sound and usable way to describe a ladder of unusually small size. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct. While less common than alternatives like "tiny ladder", it serves the purpose of specifying dimensions. Usage is most frequent in news media and Wiki-based contexts. When writing, consider if a more precise or impactful synonym exists, but "a very small ladder" remains a clear and understandable option. Overusing "very" should be avoided to keep the writing concise.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tiny ladder

Replaces "very small" with a synonym, "tiny", maintaining the core meaning.

miniature ladder

Substitutes "very small" with "miniature", emphasizing the ladder's diminutive size.

little ladder

Uses "little" instead of "very small", offering a more informal alternative.

compact ladder

Focuses on the ladder's space-saving quality rather than just its size.

short ladder

Describes the ladder's height, which is directly related to its size.

undersized ladder

Emphasizes that the ladder is smaller than the standard size.

pocket-sized ladder

Highlights extreme portability by comparing its size to something that can fit in a pocket.

diminutive ladder

Uses a more formal and less common synonym for "small".

portable step stool

Slightly broader; implies a small ladder or step with portability.

collapsible ladder

Focuses on the feature of being able to be reduced to a small size for storage or transportation.

FAQs

What are some synonyms for "a very small ladder"?

Alternatives include "tiny ladder", "miniature ladder", "little ladder", or "compact ladder" depending on the context.

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

You can use "a very small ladder" to describe a ladder that is significantly smaller than usual. For example, "To reach the top shelf, I grabbed a very small ladder from the garage".

Is it better to say "a very small ladder" or "a tiny ladder"?

Both phrases are correct, but "tiny ladder" might be more descriptive and impactful. The choice depends on the specific context and desired emphasis.

In what situations would I use the phrase "a very small ladder"?

Use "a very small ladder" when you need to emphasize that the ladder's size is unusually small and relevant to the situation, such as when space is limited or when a full-sized ladder is unnecessary.