albeit a small one

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "albeit a small one" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to mean "even though it may be small" and can be used to qualify an amount or an extent. For example, "She was able to make a positive difference, albeit a small one."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

At this stage in my career, when there is an opportunity, albeit a small one, of being on the team, what a great way to possibly end my career".

The New York Times

Over all, the clunker program will have an impact on lowering fuel consumption, albeit a small one given the number of vehicles involved.

The New York Times

Eddie Vale, a spokesman for the AFL-CIO's super PAC Workers Voicee, said it played a role, albeit a small one, in convincing his group to devote money to on-the-ground operations rather than television ad campaigns.

Huffington Post

Owners taking Microsoft up on this offer will pay a premium, albeit a small one.

Forbes

These results, coupled with prior research on the impacts of immigration on natives, suggest that immigration may provide an overall benefit, albeit a small one, for a country's local population.

IZA Journal of Migration

That's an interesting study, albeit a small one.

MIT Technology Review

However, diet may have a role, albeit a small one.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Any rotating metal generates a periodically changing magnetic field, albeit a small one.

MIT Technology Review

If it's one's birthday, I give the other a present, albeit a small one, too.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I got a grant, albeit a small one, but still had to work.

The Guardian - Money

The Conservatives spent £1.2m on Facebook advertising in 2015 – and it paid off with a majority, albeit a small one.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "albeit a small one" to acknowledge a limitation or qualification without dismissing the primary point. This adds nuance and strengthens your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "albeit a small one" when the element you are qualifying is truly insignificant or irrelevant. Overusing the phrase can weaken your writing by drawing unnecessary attention to trivial details.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "albeit a small one" functions as an adverbial modifier, adding a concession or qualification to a statement. As Ludwig AI shows, it is used to acknowledge a limitation or insignificance of something while still recognizing its existence or effect.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "albeit a small one" is a versatile phrase used to introduce a concession or qualification while maintaining a generally positive tone. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly employed across various types of written English. It's most frequently found in "News & Media" sources, showcasing its adaptability for journalistic writing. While it adds sophistication to writing, it is crucial to avoid overuse or misapplication in situations where the qualifier is either too insignificant or irrelevant to the main point. Consider alternatives such as "though a minor one" or "even if only a slight one" for stylistic variation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

though a minor one

Replaces "albeit" with "though", simplifying the introductory concession.

even if only a slight one

Emphasizes the possibility of the effect or change being minimal.

although just a little one

Uses more informal language, emphasizing the limited degree or extent.

granted it's not a big one

Explicitly acknowledges that the thing in question is not substantial.

even though a limited one

Focuses on the restriction or constraint involved.

though perhaps an insignificant one

Highlights the possibility that the matter is unimportant.

while certainly not major

Emphasizes that the topic is far from being a key issue or concern.

even if a negligible aspect

Draws attention to the potential unimportance of the subject matter.

though merely a trivial detail

Highlights the unimportance of the matter.

if only a nominal thing

Minimizes the importance of the object in question.

FAQs

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

You can use "albeit a small one" to acknowledge a minor limitation or qualification. For example: "The program had a positive impact, "albeit a small one", on student performance".

What phrases are similar to "albeit a small one"?

Similar phrases include "though a minor one", "even if only a slight one", or "although just a little one", each conveying a slight concession.

Is it correct to use "albeit a small one" in formal writing?

Yes, "albeit a small one" is appropriate for formal writing. It adds a level of sophistication and nuance to your sentences, acknowledging limitations without detracting from the main point. However, it could be switched for more formal words based on specific style guides and preference.

When should I avoid using "albeit a small one"?

Avoid using "albeit a small one" if the element you are qualifying is genuinely insignificant or irrelevant. It's also best to avoid using it repetitively in close proximity within your writing, as this can make your text sound redundant.