although small

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "although small" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to introduce a contrast or exception regarding size or significance in a statement. Example: "Although small, the device packs a powerful punch in terms of performance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Protests, although small, break out more frequently.

The Economist

Although small, it had special characteristics.

The Guardian

The latency – although small – is too significant.

The Guardian - Tech

Although small, the room produced maximum merriment per square foot.

The New Yorker

Although small and prosaic, this show is also richly resonant.

The New York Times - Arts

The town is relatively modern, although small in size.

Britannica

Although small, this collection is wonderful to see.

The Guardian - Travel

Although small, the Nano has four doors and five seats.

The Economist

Although small, the samples are pristine, and all that Masic needs for his research.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Although small, the island is significant for many people and animals.

The Guardian

If they add a long-acting beta agonist, the risk of death, although small, increases.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "although small" to introduce a surprising or noteworthy quality despite the subject's size. For instance, "Although small, the museum boasts an impressive collection of artifacts."

Common error

Avoid using "although small" when size is the most relevant aspect. Instead, use it when the small size contrasts with another significant quality or outcome. For example, don't say "Although small, the ant is small"; instead, consider "Although small, the ant can lift many times its own weight."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "although small" primarily functions as an adverbial clause introducer, setting up a contrast or concession. It modifies the main clause by providing context about a subject's size that is unexpected or seemingly contradictory to the statement being made. Ludwig provides numerous examples of this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Academia

15%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "although small" serves as a concessive conjunction, introducing a contrast between a subject's limited size and another, often surprising, attribute. As demonstrated by Ludwig, it is grammatically sound and widely used across diverse contexts, from news and media to scientific publications and encyclopedias. While it carries a slightly formal tone, its versatility makes it appropriate for various writing styles. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. When using "although small", ensure that the small size is contrasted with a significant or unexpected quality to maximize its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

even if it's tiny

Replaces "although" with "even if" and "small" with "tiny", emphasizing the diminutive size.

despite its diminutive size

Uses "despite" instead of "although" and replaces "small" with "diminutive size", adding a touch of formality.

while seemingly insignificant

Substitutes "although small" with "while seemingly insignificant", focusing on the apparent lack of importance.

though seemingly minor

Replaces "although small" with "though seemingly minor", indicating a slight degree or impact.

even though it appears negligible

Uses "even though" and "negligible" to convey a similar sense of concession about something small in effect or appearance.

in spite of its limited scope

Replaces "although small" with "in spite of its limited scope", emphasizing restricted boundaries or extent.

notwithstanding its modest proportions

A more formal alternative using "notwithstanding" and "modest proportions" to express a similar contrast.

however minimal

Concise replacement, using "however" to indicate contrast and "minimal" to describe the extent or degree.

for all its tininess

Expresses a concession despite being very small, using "tininess" for emphasis.

small as it is

Inverts the phrase structure for emphasis, maintaining the core meaning of concession despite size.

FAQs

How can I use "although small" in a sentence?

"Although small" introduces a contrasting idea about the size of something. For example, "Although small, the village played a crucial role in the war effort."

What are some alternatives to saying "although small"?

You can use alternatives such as "even if it's tiny", "despite its diminutive size", or "while seemingly insignificant" depending on the context.

Is it always necessary to include a comma after "although small"?

Yes, a comma is generally needed after "although small" when it introduces a clause, as it acts as a conjunction linking two parts of the sentence.

What's the difference between "although small" and "even though small"?

While similar, "although small" and "even though small" both express contrast. "Even though" can carry a slightly stronger sense of surprise or unexpectedness compared to "although".