a very small person

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a very small person" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is physically small in stature, often in a casual or informal context. Example: "In the story, the protagonist was a very small person who faced many challenges due to their height."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Little Joe weighed two hundred pounds, but his winning and original personality was that of a very small person among very large people.

The New Yorker

Anonymous I am a very small person.

The New York Times

I'm a very small person and not physically strong.

The New York Times

This comes across as a very small person.' " Those discussions seem likely to recur over the coming weeks as a relatively inexperienced team takes charge.

The New York Times

Being on a boat just drives home the humbling point that you are a very small person in a big world.

The New York Times

Whether anyone is improved by art I cannot say, but "Beasts" is not a documentary; it's a vibrant feature about a very small person whose life has large implications for everyone.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

It is irritating to me that the word "shrimp," when not applied to the long-tailed crustacean of the genus Crangon, means "a small or unimportant person" (the American Heritage Dictionary), "a very small slight person" (the Oxford Desk Dictionary) and "a diminutive or puny person... chiefly contemptuous" (the Oxford English Dictionary).

The New York Times - Magazine

We have a very small team: one person living in the mountain region who works daily with the local people, two based in Kathmandu, me in the UK and a handful of volunteers.

The Guardian

It's not what I want so just was very annoying because it makes me feel like I'm a very small and typical person.

BBC

It did not resolve the issue of low salaries since it resulted in a very small amount per person.

Globalization and Health

As a very small fraction of persons with HIV/AIDS were on antiretroviral treatment in India at the time of this study, we calculated DALYs saved without including prolonged life and additional cost due to antiretroviral treatment.

BMC Health Services Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's personality, using "a very small person" can subtly suggest vulnerability or a lack of influence, but it can also imply positive qualities like resilience or unique perspectives. Consider the context carefully.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on physical attributes like being "a very small person" to define a character. Instead, blend it with personality traits, background, and motivations to create a more compelling and nuanced portrayal.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a very small person" functions primarily as a descriptive noun phrase. It modifies the noun "person" with the adjectives "very" and "small", providing information about the individual's physical size or perceived significance. Ludwig AI confirms that it is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

17%

Science

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

16%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a very small person" is a grammatically correct and usable expression, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, primarily functioning as a descriptive noun phrase. While generally neutral in register, its impact hinges on the context, capable of literally describing physical stature or figuratively implying insignificance. It is most commonly encountered in "News & Media". Be mindful of potential negative connotations and strive for balance when employing physical descriptions in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a tiny individual

Emphasizes the diminutive size, focusing on the individual's physical stature.

a diminutive person

Highlights the small size and stature of the person, often in a more formal tone.

a petite person

Specifically refers to a small and slender build, often used for women.

a person of small stature

A more formal and direct way of indicating that someone is short in height.

a vertically challenged person

A euphemistic and humorous way to refer to someone who is short.

a short person

Simply describes someone with less height.

a little person

Directly refers to someone of small size.

an undersized individual

Focuses on the size being less than what is typical or expected.

a compact person

Implies being small but well-proportioned.

a miniature person

Emphasizes extreme smallness, often used figuratively.

FAQs

What does it mean to describe someone as "a very small person"?

Describing someone as "a very small person" typically refers to their physical stature, indicating they are short or petite. However, it can also be used figuratively to suggest they are insignificant or lack influence.

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

You can use "a very small person" to describe someone's appearance directly, such as "She was "a very small person", but her voice commanded attention". Alternatively, you can use it metaphorically: "In the corporate world, he felt like "a very small person" surrounded by giants".

What can I say instead of "a very small person"?

You can use alternatives like "a tiny individual", "a diminutive person", or "a person of short stature" depending on the desired level of formality and context.

Is it appropriate to describe someone as "a very small person"?

While generally acceptable, it's essential to be mindful of the context and avoid using the phrase in a derogatory or offensive manner. Using more neutral terms like "short" or "petite" might be preferable in some situations.