at a tiny scale

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at a tiny scale" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing something that is small in size or scope, often in scientific or technical contexts. Example: "The experiment was conducted at a tiny scale to observe the effects of the variables without significant interference."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

New techniques let engineers shape objects at a tiny scale.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Working at such a tiny scale presents challenges when it comes to actually probing the surface of a material at the nanoscale.

Vice

It must take a deft delicacy at operating on a tiny scale, like fitting a whole model railway layout into an attaché case.

The Guardian - Books

Look at these images in reproduction, on a tiny scale in the comfort of your own home, and they may well appear absurd, the white hawthorn bursting out in great maggoty slugs, the shadows making glove puppet bunnies.

The Guardian - Arts

"You can't do investment banking on such a tiny scale," said Colin Devine, an insurance analyst at Salomon Smith Barney.

The New York Times

Catherine Carr, a neuroscientist at the University of Maryland, College Park, agrees that the study is "very exciting"—particularly because the katydids have overcome the problem of impedance matching "on such a tiny scale".

Science Magazine

NM: I think it's happening on a tiny scale.

Huffington Post

Those discoveries would put neuroscience a big step closer to modifying behavior on a tiny scale.

Los Angeles Times

Also, I count calories and use a tiny scale to weigh my food.

Vice

We still have such programs today, but on a tiny scale compared to what we need -- and tiny compared to what our rivals do.

Huffington Post

There is another factor, too: In Syria, the workshops and the men behind them spent much of their early time learning a lethal craft that Libyans pursued at a comparatively tiny scale: bomb-making.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "at a tiny scale", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being scaled down. For example, specify if it's size, scope, or impact.

Common error

Avoid using "at a tiny scale" when you actually mean "insignificant impact". Scale refers to physical dimensions or scope, not necessarily importance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at a tiny scale" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to specify the size or scope at which an action or phenomenon occurs. Ludwig examples show it's often used in contexts discussing nanotechnology or scientific research.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Wiki

7%

Social Media

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at a tiny scale" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that typically functions as an adverbial phrase to highlight the small size or limited scope of something. According to Ludwig, this phrase is often used in scientific and technical contexts, as well as in news reports explaining these subjects. It’s important to distinguish between size and impact, avoiding the term when merely implying something is insignificant. Alternatives like "on a miniature scale" or "at a microscopic level" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. The phrase is applicable in both formal and informal contexts, though more common in scientific discussions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on a miniature scale

Replaces "tiny" with "miniature", emphasizing the small size.

on a reduced scale

Highlights the diminished size or scope.

on a nanoscale

Specifies the scale related to nanotechnology.

at a microscopic level

Emphasizes the extremely small, often invisible, nature of the scale.

at a micro level

Indicates a focus on small components or processes.

in a small dimension

Focuses on the physical size being small.

within a limited scope

Shifts the focus to the restricted extent or range.

at a granular level

Suggests a detailed and minute level of examination or operation.

in a confined space

Focuses on physical space or context with limited area.

on a limited basis

Emphasizes that something is done to a small degree or extent.

FAQs

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

You can use "at a tiny scale" to describe processes or objects that are very small, such as, "Nanotechnology allows us to manipulate materials "at a tiny scale"."

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

While both phrases imply smallness, "at a tiny scale" often refers to something that is physically very small, whereas "on a small scale" might refer to something that is limited in scope or impact.

What can I say instead of "at a tiny scale"?

Alternatives include "on a miniature scale", "at a microscopic level", or "in a small dimension", depending on the context.

Is "at a tiny scale" formal or informal?

"At a tiny scale" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, although it is more frequently used in scientific or technical discussions.