are very small

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are very small" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe the size of objects or entities that are diminutive in nature. Example: "The particles in the solution are very small, making them difficult to see with the naked eye."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They are very small.

Independent

"Firms are very small.

The New York Times

Neutrinos, they are very small.

The New Yorker

My daughters are very small.

Independent

"Quails are very small.

The New Yorker

Netsuke are very small.

The Guardian

"Numbers are very small," he said.

Independent

The windows, if any, are very small.

Independent

These are very small sins.

The New York Times

But the chances are very small".

The New York Times - Sports

Many, of course, are very small.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing something as "are very small", consider the context. Is precision important? If so, use specific measurements or comparisons (e.g., "are very small, about the size of a grain of rice").

Common error

Avoid redundancy by not using "are very small" when the context already implies extreme smallness (e.g., "atoms are very small"). Instead, opt for a stronger adjective or a more specific description.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are very small" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun by describing its size. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and widely used, serving to indicate that something is of a diminutive nature.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Academia

25%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Science

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are very small" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adjectival phrase that describes the size of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, its function is primarily descriptive, serving to convey that something is diminutive. While suitable for various contexts, including news, academic, and general discussions, more formal or scientific writing may benefit from more specific terminology. Related phrases like "are extremely tiny" or "are microscopic" can provide a more nuanced depiction of smallness. When using "are very small", consider the context to ensure clarity and avoid redundancy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are extremely tiny

Intensifies the smallness, suggesting an even smaller size.

are quite diminutive

Uses a more formal term for small, implying elegance in its smallness.

are exceptionally little

Highlights the small size as being out of the ordinary.

are incredibly minute

Emphasizes the fineness and precision of the smallness.

are barely perceptible

Focuses on the difficulty in noticing the size, implying near invisibility.

are microscopic

Indicates the size is so small that it requires a microscope to be seen.

are almost invisible

Highlights the near impossibility of seeing the objects due to their size.

are compact

Implies smallness combined with efficient use of space.

are pocket-sized

Indicates that the objects can fit into a pocket, suggesting portability.

are mini

A more casual way of saying something is small.

FAQs

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

You can use "are very small" to describe the size of objects, quantities, or even concepts. For example, "The margins "are very small" to begin with" or "My daughters "are very small"."

What can I say instead of "are very small"?

You can use alternatives like "are extremely tiny", "are quite diminutive", or "are microscopic" depending on the specific context and the degree of smallness you want to emphasize.

Is it redundant to say something "are very small"?

While generally acceptable, saying something "are very small" can be redundant if the context already strongly implies extreme smallness. In such cases, a stronger adjective or a more specific comparison might be more effective.

When is it appropriate to use "are very small" in formal writing?

The phrase "are very small" is generally appropriate for most writing contexts. However, in highly formal or scientific writing, consider using more precise or technical terms to describe size or scale.