at a small scale

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'at a small scale' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the size of something that is not large or significant. For example, "This project will be conducted at a small scale, with only a few participants."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Like the wine, the liquid lens only maintains its stability at a small scale.

The New York Times - Tech

Experiment with 2D or 3D digital fabrication at a small scale!

The Guardian - Tech

It's already producing small bits, at a small scale, and not or commercial use.

The Guardian

Teachers can use these insights to develop effective behavioral interventions, even at a small scale.

Harvard University

-Humanities urbanism operates at a small scale and doesn't attempt to be universalist or generalizing.

University of California, Berkeley

At a small scale, such properties can have more than one value at once.

The Economist

"It's a privilege to design at a small scale because it's so intimate and so direct".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

At such a small scale, gold is no longer golden.

Duke University

So, why work at such a small scale?

Vice

Is it possible for the technology to be employed at a smaller scale?

Columbia University

This in itself is vision-crafting, albeit at a smaller scale.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing research or projects, use "at a small scale" to clearly indicate the project's limited scope, especially when contrasting it with potential larger implementations.

Common error

Avoid using "at a small scale" when you actually mean "with limited scope". Scale refers to size or extent, while scope refers to the breadth of what's included. For example, a project can be large in scale but narrow in scope if it involves a lot of resources focused on a very specific task.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at a small scale" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to describe the extent or scope of an action or situation. Ludwig provides numerous examples of its use in describing processes, experiments, or operations that are limited in size or scope.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Academia

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "at a small scale" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to denote a limited size or scope of an action, project, or phenomenon. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and widely accepted in various contexts, particularly in News & Media, Science, and Academia. When using this phrase, ensure clarity in distinguishing between scale and scope to avoid misuse. Remember to consider related phrases like "on a limited scale" for nuanced expression. "At a small scale" helps set context and manage expectations, indicating that something is not yet widespread or fully developed, contributing to precise and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on a limited scale

Replaces "small" with "limited", emphasizing restriction in scope.

in a reduced form

Focuses on the diminished aspect of the scale, using "reduced" instead of "small".

on a miniature scale

Emphasizes the tininess of the scale using "miniature".

in a microcosm

Uses a more metaphorical term suggesting a small representation of a larger whole.

in a pilot study

Specifically refers to a small-scale preliminary study or experiment.

on a modest level

Replaces "scale" with "level", indicating a restrained or humble degree.

in a controlled environment

Implies a small, managed setting, focusing on the controlled aspect rather than size.

within a confined space

Highlights the limited space or area in which something occurs.

in a localized area

Emphasizes that something is restricted to a particular, small geographic region.

on a shoestring budget

Refers to the limited financial resources available, implying a small operation.

FAQs

How can I use "at a small scale" in a sentence?

You can use "at a small scale" to describe something that is being done on a limited scale or with limited resources. For example, "We are testing this new technology "at a small scale" before implementing it company-wide".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "at a small scale"?

Some alternatives include "on a limited scale", "in a reduced form", or "on a modest level". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "at a small scale" or "on a small scale"?

While both "at a small scale" and "on a small scale" can be used, "at a small scale" is more common and generally preferred. Both are grammatically correct, but "at" emphasizes the location or point in the range of scales.

What's the difference between "at a small scale" and "at a large scale"?

"At a small scale" refers to something being done or existing in a limited or reduced size or scope. "At a large scale" implies the opposite: something being done or existing in a widespread or extensive manner. They are antonyms that describe different ends of a spectrum.