at its smallest

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at its smallest" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something in its least size or minimal form, often in a comparative context. Example: "The model represents the structure at its smallest, allowing us to see the intricate details that would otherwise be overlooked."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

At its smallest, it would be about the size of Workington or Whitehaven; at its biggest, larger than Carlisle.

BBC

The smaller the circle the better the chance you will have to capture that beauty, so wait until it's at its smallest before releasing and land it inside the circle.

The Guardian - Tech

Planck's constant is an important number in quantum theory, a way to measure the granularity of the world at its smallest scales and it has the value 6.626 x 10-34 joule seconds.

The Guardian

Let, in the case, then it is obvious attains, at, its smallest value on the interval.

Journal of Inequalities and Applications

Because the xenograft is then at its smallest, the mAb will be able to target it optimally.

Cancer Immunology, Immunotherapy

With 37,400 officers, the police force is at its smallest size in five years.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

The Southwest has long said it has 75,000 visitors a year at its small, out-of-the-way location in the Mount Washington neighborhood.

The New York Times

Profits at its small banking unit edged up to $6 million from $4 million.

The New York Times

"The city should be throwing lifelines, not roadblocks, at its small businesses".

The New York Times

At its small gift shop, Whitman's "Leaves of Grass," published 150 years ago, is the center of attention.

The New York Times

The entry-level version of the new iPhone will remain at its small 16GB storage size, according to reports.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing changes over time, use "at its smallest" to denote the point when something has reached its minimum measurable size or extent. For example: "The tumor, after treatment, was at its smallest, indicating the therapy's effectiveness."

Common error

Avoid using "in its smallest" as it is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is "at its smallest", which functions as an adverbial phrase modifying the verb by specifying the state of minimum size.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at its smallest" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb, adjective, or another adverb. It indicates the point when something has reached its minimum size, extent, or degree. Ludwig AI confirms this usage, providing numerous examples across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at its smallest" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote the minimum size or extent of something. Ludwig AI analysis confirms that it functions primarily as an adverbial phrase across various contexts, including news, science, and encyclopedias. While "at its smallest" is commonly used, alternatives like "in its most reduced form" or "at its minimum extent" can offer more specific nuances. It is important to use "at its smallest" rather than the incorrect "in its smallest". Overall, this phrase offers a precise way to describe the smallest measurable size of something.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at its low point

Focuses on the position as being the minimum in value or size.

at its minimum extent

Emphasizes the extent or scope being minimal.

in its most reduced form

Focuses on the reduction aspect to reach its minimal state.

at its lower limit

Indicates the boundary of the lowest possible value or size.

in its diminished state

Highlights the process of diminishing to reach the smallest point.

at its nadir

Implies reaching the lowest point or level, often in a cyclical context.

in its contracted condition

Specifically refers to a state of being reduced in size through contraction.

at its most compact

Highlights the state of being tightly packed or condensed.

at its most minute

Emphasizes extreme smallness or insignificance.

in its most compressed state

Focuses on compression as the means of achieving minimal size.

FAQs

How can I use "at its smallest" in a sentence?

Use "at its smallest" to describe the minimum size or extent something reaches. For example: "The company was "at its smallest" during the recession."

What are some alternatives to saying "at its smallest"?

You can use alternatives like "in its most reduced form", "at its minimum extent", or "in its diminished state" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "in its smallest" instead of "at its smallest"?

No, "in its smallest" is not grammatically correct. The correct phrase is ""at its smallest"", which functions as an adverbial phrase.

What is the difference between "at its smallest" and "at its lowest"?

"At its smallest" refers to physical size or extent, while "at its lowest" can refer to a value, level, or status. For example, you might say a company's stock price was at its lowest, but a glacier was at its smallest.