although it is small

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "although it is small" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to introduce a contrasting idea or to acknowledge a limitation while emphasizing other qualities or aspects. Example: "Although it is small, the device packs a powerful punch in terms of performance."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Although it is small in relation to its 30 nucleotide hosts, this cluster alters DNA structure and stability.

Analytical Chemistry

Although it is small, it has a wide diversity of plant life.

The New York Times - Arts

It is the largest of several dozen independently operated schools in New Jersey, although it is small compared with the Weichert Real Estate School, affiliated with Weichert Realtors.

The New York Times

The metal edging makes it look far more expensive than it actually is, and although it is small it's deep – and therefore surprisingly roomy.

Independent

At V-notched tips in specimens made of quasi-brittle materials a small damaged or plastic zone is evident that cannot not be neglected in terms of dissipated energy and stress state, although it is small.

International Journal of Solids and Structures

In this case there is a possibility of roof collapse occurring, although it is small.

Journal of Applied Volcanology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Although it is smaller than many counterparts in Manhattan and Europe, its stature is enhanced by its parklike setting of lawns and tree-lined driveways.

The New York Times

This reflects the pressure the business is under, although it is smaller than the 56.7bn rupees loss of a year earlier.

The Guardian - Business

A similar signal is observed in spring, although it is smaller, in part because of less cloud cover and generally thinner clouds in that season.

Nature

The Yonkers site, a former wire factory, also has a building with a 100-foot ceiling, sans columns, although it is smaller, at 30,000 square feet.

The New York Times

But in many ways, life in the City, although it is smaller after large job losses, is starting to feel like it did before the crisis.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In scientific writing, ensure the 'it' clearly refers to a specific subject (like a cluster or a sample) to maintain technical precision.

Common error

Avoid following the clause with 'but' in the second part of the sentence. Since "although it is small" already establishes the contrast, adding 'but' is redundant. For example, write "Although it is small, it is powerful" instead of "Although it is small, but it is powerful".

Linguistic Context

This phrase acts as a concessive subordinator clause. Its primary role is to introduce a concession, acknowledging a specific fact (the small size of the subject) that might otherwise imply a lack of power, importance or complexity. According to Ludwig, it functions as a bridge to a contrasting main clause.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

35%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "although it is small" is a versatile and grammatically robust phrase used to balance the attribute of smallness against a significant outcome or characteristic. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its widespread use in Science and News & Media, where it often introduces surprising capabilities of compact devices or biological entities. The phrase is highly authoritative and should be used whenever a writer needs to acknowledge a physical limitation while maintaining the importance of the subject. For a more formal tone, "<a href="/s/albeit+small" target="_blank" rel="alternative">albeit small" is a valid alternative, but the original phrase remains the standard for clear, effective contrast in English prose.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

despite its small size

Uses a prepositional phrase instead of a dependent clause for a more compact structure.

albeit small

A more concise, sophisticated alternative often used for parenthetical remarks.

small as it is

An inverted structure that places greater emphasis on the attribute of being small.

even though it is tiny

Uses a more emotive adjective and a stronger subordinator to emphasize the contrast.

though it is modest

Uses 'modest' as a more polite or understated synonym for 'small'.

while it remains compact

Uses a positive connotation through the word 'compact' and a continuous state verb.

despite being diminutive

Uses more precise, scientific vocabulary to describe smallness.

notwithstanding its size

Significantly more formal and typically found in legal or highly academic writing.

granting that it is slight

Indicates a formal concession while using 'slight' to suggest thinness or lack of weight.

regardless of its size

Focuses on the irrelevance of the size rather than just acknowledging it.

FAQs

How do I use "although it is small" in a sentence?

You can use it at the beginning or in the middle of a sentence to show contrast. For example: "although it is small, the engine produces a lot of power" or "The device is very effective, although it is small."

What can I say instead of "although it is small"?

Depending on the formality, you can use "<a href="/s/despite+its+size" target="_blank" rel="alternative">despite its size", "<a href="/s/albeit+small" target="_blank" rel="alternative">albeit small" or "<a href="/s/even+though+it+is+tiny" target="_blank" rel="alternative">even though it is tiny".

Is it correct to use "although it is small" in academic writing?

Yes, it is perfectly correct. Ludwig shows many examples from reputable academic and scientific sources like Nature and NCBI where this phrase is used to describe biological structures or data samples.

What is the difference between "although it is small" and "albeit small"?

The main difference is grammatical structure. "although it is small" is a full clause with a subject and verb, while "<a href="/s/albeit+small" target="_blank" rel="alternative">albeit small" is a shortened phrase. Albeit is also generally considered more formal.