a very small one

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a very small one" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is diminutive in size or quantity. Example: "I found a very small one among the larger items in the box."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

Four were of Perri Shakes-Drayton, winner of the 400m at the European Indoor Championships in Gothenburg, two were of event rider Laura Collett, sat atop champion race horse Kauto Star, and one (a very small one) was of Holly Bleasdale, winner of the pole vault in Sweden.

BBC

Besides, Britain is only one country and a very small one at that.

BBC

By switching the film electrodes in solutions between 25 and 37 °C, the CV peak currents of Fc(COOH) cycled between a quite large value and a very small one, showing the reversible thermo-sensitive switching property between the on and off states.

Electrochimica Acta

A very small one.

The Guardian

She is also a very small one.

The Guardian - Sport

A cavalcade then, maybe, but a very small one.

The Guardian - Opinion

"There's an airport?" "It's a very small one".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

"But 100 rupees is a very small one-time fee, and Indians rarely respect free handouts.

The New York Times

To us that was truly a garage record — it was us in a very small one-car garage, doing album-creation stuff at the ages of 10, 12, and, like, 14".

Los Angeles Times

Sure, some super-authors will sell millions of copies – while others will sell none – but the window of authors who will sell enough ebooks to justify self-publishing, but not enough to want a fully fledged hard-and-paperback contract like Dan Brown – is a very, very small one.

TechCrunch

Given that the probability of an attack towards any specific target at a specific time is very small, one may question whether such security benefits actually outweigh the costs.

Crime Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a very small one", ensure the context clarifies what is being described, especially if the noun it replaces is not immediately obvious. Clarity prevents misinterpretation.

Common error

Avoid using "a very small one" in highly formal or academic writing where more precise or sophisticated vocabulary might be preferred. Instead, opt for terms like "negligible", "minuscule", or specific measurements.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a very small one" functions primarily as an adjectival phrase substituting a noun, providing descriptive information about the size of something. This phrase, as Ludwig AI confirms, is commonly used to describe the diminutive nature of an item.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Science

17%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a very small one" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe something of diminutive size or quantity. While generally acceptable, Ludwig AI suggests considering context and opting for more precise language in formal settings. Predominantly found in News & Media, its versatility allows use across various registers, though synonyms may be preferable in more formal contexts. It's important to ensure clarity in writing to avoid any ambiguity when using this descriptive phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an extremely small one

Intensifies the smallness, emphasizing a higher degree of diminutiveness.

a considerably small one

Highlights the degree of smallness as being noteworthy or significant.

a remarkably small one

Emphasizes the unexpected or surprising nature of the small size.

a particularly small one

Singles out the item as having a notably small size compared to others.

a minute one

Replaces "very small" with a single word implying extreme smallness.

a tiny one

Offers a common synonym for "very small", suitable for general use.

a miniature one

Suggests that the item is a small-scale version of something larger.

an insignificant one

Shifts the focus from size to importance, implying it lacks significance.

a negligible one

Similar to insignificant, emphasizing that the item is not worth considering.

a marginal one

Implies that the item is barely within a certain limit or threshold.

FAQs

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

Use "a very small one" to refer to something that is diminutive in size, quantity, or importance, replacing a noun already understood in the context. For instance, "I wanted a large piece of cake, but they only had "a very small one" left."

What are some alternatives to saying "a very small one"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "a tiny one", "a minuscule one", "an insignificant one", or "a negligible one".

Is "a very small one" too informal for academic writing?

While grammatically correct, "a very small one" might be considered too informal for some academic contexts. Consider using more precise or sophisticated synonyms like "negligible", "marginal", or quantifying the smallness more specifically.

What is the difference between "a very small one" and "a slightly small one"?

"A very small one" indicates a significant degree of smallness, whereas "a slightly small one" suggests a marginal or minor difference in size. The choice depends on the magnitude of smallness you wish to convey.