even the smallest

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "even the smallest" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize that something applies to all sizes or degrees, no matter how minor. Example: "Even the smallest contributions can make a significant impact on the project's success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Even the smallest room is very comfortable.

Independent

Even the smallest details are scrutinized.

The New York Times - Sports

So even the smallest margins count.

The Guardian - Sport

"Even the smallest manoeuvre can go wrong.

The Guardian

Even the smallest children take part.

The Guardian

This evident in even the smallest ways.

The Washington Post

Even the smallest step can change everything.

Harvard Business Review

Even the smallest scholarship can go a long way.

Stanford University

Even the smallest gift can make a big difference!

University of California, Berkeley

Even the smallest towns have bar associations (including Tompkins County).

Cornell University

Even the smallest details seemed hard to ascertain.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "even the smallest", consider the context to ensure it logically connects to the surrounding information. It often precedes a statement about consequences or contributions.

Common error

Avoid using "even the smallest" excessively in casual conversation or informal writing, as it can sound overly formal or emphatic. Simpler alternatives may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "even the smallest" typically functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to emphasize that no matter how diminutive something is, it is still included or relevant. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Academia

21%

Wiki

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Science

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "even the smallest" functions as an adjective phrase used to emphasize the inclusion or relevance of items regardless of their size. Ludwig AI confirms the expression is grammatically sound and widely used across diverse contexts like news, academia, and general writing. Its purpose is to highlight thoroughness and ensure that nothing, no matter how small, is overlooked. While suitable for most writing, overuse in casual settings should be avoided. Alternatives such as "including the slightest" or "regardless of how tiny" can offer nuanced variations. Keep in mind, as Ludwig's examples show, it adds a touch of emphasis and completeness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

including the slightest

Changes the focus from size to degree, emphasizing the inclusion of even minimal amounts or effects.

down to the minutest

Emphasizes extreme detail and precision in considering even the tiniest elements.

no matter how minuscule

Highlights the insignificance of the size while still emphasizing its inclusion.

regardless of how tiny

Focuses on the size being irrelevant in its consideration or impact.

however insignificant

Shifts the emphasis from size to importance, including even trivial aspects.

even the most negligible

Highlights that something is being considered despite its apparent unimportance.

to the least significant

Focuses on ranking or hierarchy, including the lowest in importance or value.

encompassing the merest

Emphasizes the breadth of inclusion, covering even the slightest amount.

taking into account the minimal

Highlights the act of considering something despite its small size or impact.

considering the most trivial

Emphasizes the lack of importance while still suggesting its inclusion in consideration.

FAQs

How can I use "even the smallest" in a sentence?

You can use "even the smallest" to emphasize the importance or impact of something regardless of its size. For instance, "Even the smallest contribution can make a difference" or "Even the smallest detail is important".

What are some alternatives to "even the smallest"?

Alternatives include "including the slightest", "down to the minutest", or "regardless of how tiny", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "even the smallest" always necessary in a sentence?

No, using "even the smallest" is not always necessary. It's best used when you want to emphasize that something applies universally, regardless of size or importance. Without it, the sentence may still be correct but may lack the added emphasis.

What's the difference between "even the smallest" and "especially the smallest"?

"Even the smallest" implies inclusion of everything, no matter how small. "Especially the smallest" suggests that the smallest items are particularly noteworthy or important, creating a focus or emphasis on that particular group.