compact

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "compact" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that is thorough yet small in size or scope. Example: She had a compact collection of books that packed a lot of knowledge and wisdom into a small space.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Manhattan's compact geography, points out Pfahler, means many artistic projects begin with chance encounters.

The Guardian - Music

The centre of the compact walled town is full of gorgeous boutiques and unusual jewellery stores (in case gifts are in order), pretty cafes with flower-filled gardens (should the Mediterranean sun make an appearance) and tiny bars with plenty of private nooks and crannies.

The Guardian - Travel

An annual trim with shears and feeding with lime will keep it compact.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Eugenie Harvey, director of the 10 10 campaign, which uses this compact, spartan two-storey workspace as its HQ, points to the list with evident pride.

The Guardian

He tweeted this morning that yesterday's events (the political crisis in the Netherlands, and the results of the first round of the French presidential election) mean the rules are already unravelling: — Nouriel Roubini (@Nouriel) April 24 , 2012EZ Fiscal Compact DOA even before ratification.

The Guardian - Business

On stage, the band emits a 1975 sound not unlike a streamlined, yet still vehemently compact, mixture of the early Velvet Underground, Shadows of Knight, and the Stooges.

The Guardian - Music

At the dead centre of the city is the Jardin de l'horloge, a compact garden terrace that looks out directly on to the harbour, and where the monument to the French dead who gave their lives for "Algérie Française" has been covered up.

The Guardian

The European fiscal compact, which forces countries across the eurozone to deliver a balanced budget, becomes operational.

The Guardian

Talking of places in Cambridge which pair street food with craft beer, the bar at the foodPark Night Market events also serve a compact but discerning range of craft beers, including various cans from Beavertown (look out for its seasonal blood orange IPA, Bloody Elll) and at least one local beer.

The Guardian - Travel

Hobart is a compact place that fades from view rapidly as you leave it – traffic and houses are quickly replaced by rolling hills and winding roads.

The Guardian - Travel

In his short time at the club so far, Mazzarri has focused on keeping his team compact and cohesive – ensuring that they can protecting themselves from damage before seeking to hit out on the counter.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the connotations of "compact". It often implies efficiency and clever design, so use it when you want to convey those qualities.

Common error

While "compact" is versatile, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your vocabulary by using synonyms such as "concise", "dense", or "compressed" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The word "compact" primarily functions as an adjective, describing something that is closely and neatly packed together. It can also function as a noun referring to a formal agreement or a small case containing face powder. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Travel

15%

Sport

6%

Less common in

Books

6%

Lifestyle

4%

Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "compact" is a versatile word primarily used as an adjective to describe something efficiently packed or concise. It also has uses as a noun referring to agreements or makeup cases. Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically correct and usable in various contexts, from describing a "compact" car to a "compact" summary. Its frequency is high, especially in news, travel, and sports reporting. When writing, be mindful of overusing "compact" and consider synonyms like "concise", "dense", or "compressed" to add variety to your vocabulary. "Compact" carries a neutral tone, making it suitable for diverse writing styles and audiences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

condensed

Focuses on the idea of reducing in size or volume through compression.

small

Emphasizes the diminutive size of something.

concise

Highlights the brevity and lack of unnecessary detail.

dense

Indicates a high concentration of elements within a small space.

compressed

Suggests something has been pressed together to occupy less space.

abridged

Implies a shortened version of something, typically a text.

pocket-sized

Explicitly refers to being small enough to fit in a pocket.

streamlined

Highlights efficiency and lack of excess, often in design.

succinct

Focuses on expressing something briefly and clearly.

terse

Conveys brevity that can sometimes border on being rude or curt.

FAQs

How can I use "compact" in a sentence?

You can use "compact" to describe something small and efficiently arranged, like "a compact car" or "a compact summary of the report".

What's a good alternative to using "compact"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "compact" include "concise", "dense", "small", or "compressed".

Is it correct to use "compact" to describe abstract ideas?

Yes, "compact" can be used to describe abstract ideas, emphasizing their brevity and efficiency, such as "a compact explanation".

Which is more suitable, "compact" or "small", when describing something's size?

While both relate to size, "compact" suggests an efficient arrangement and thoroughness within a limited space, whereas "small" simply indicates size. Use "compact" when emphasizing efficient use of space.