exceptionally small

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "exceptionally small" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is significantly smaller than usual or expected. Example: "The model was exceptionally small, making it easy to transport and store."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But many doctors will prescribe them only for exceptionally small children with severe growth disorders.

The New York Times

Their brains were exceptionally small, around a third the size of a modern human's.

The Guardian

While it's an exceptionally small pot, it is not a novel template.

The New York Times

But in America labour migrants make-up an exceptionally small share.

The Economist

The Turville's friends wondered what would happen to Dolly Turville; the two, both exceptionally small people, hadn't seemed separable.

The New Yorker

"The percentage of people with university degrees in England deemed to have low skills is exceptionally small.

The Guardian

Simply stated, the garagistes make exceptionally good wines in exceptionally small quantities and sell them for exceptionally high prices.

The New York Times - Food

Once inside, the crowd was equally dense around the master's works, some of which are exceptionally small.

The New York Times - Arts

Exceptionally small are the little bitterns of the widespread genus Ixobrychus, weighing less than 100 grams (about 4 ounces).

Britannica

The materials composing the nanoparticles produce fascinating and diverse functionalities as a result of their exceptionally small size.

Nano Today

Still, given Mr. Romney's exceptionally small margin of victory, a single discrepancy could potentially reverse the outcome.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "exceptionally small", ensure the context clearly establishes the norm against which the smallness is being measured for maximum impact.

Common error

Avoid using "exceptionally small" when the small size is expected or typical. For example, instead of saying "an exceptionally small ant", consider stating its specific dimensions or comparing it to other ants.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exceptionally small" functions as an adjective phrase that modifies a noun, indicating a quality of being smaller than usual. Ludwig shows its use in various contexts to emphasize the degree of smallness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "exceptionally small" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adjective phrase that effectively emphasizes the degree of smallness. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's used across various contexts, from science and news to formal writing, to highlight that something is significantly smaller than expected. While alternatives such as "remarkably tiny" and "extraordinarily little" exist, "exceptionally small" provides a clear and impactful way to convey the idea of something being significantly below the norm. Remember to use it judiciously, ensuring the context clearly establishes the baseline against which the smallness is being measured for maximum effect.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remarkably tiny

Emphasizes the unexpected degree of smallness.

extraordinarily little

Focuses on the surprisingly low quantity or degree.

uncommonly minute

Highlights the rare and fine scale.

unusually diminutive

Stresses deviation from the normal small size.

noticeably petite

Indicates the small size is easily observed.

markedly reduced

Highlights a considerable decrease in size compared to a prior state or expectation.

particularly scaled-down

Implies intentional reduction in size.

surprisingly compact

Conveys that something is smaller than expected and efficiently arranged.

distinctively undersized

Highlights the unique quality of being smaller than normal.

unaccountably small

Suggests the reason for the small size is unknown or puzzling.

FAQs

How can I use "exceptionally small" in a sentence?

Use "exceptionally small" to describe something significantly smaller than what is typically expected. For example, "The company reported an exceptionally small profit margin this quarter."

What can I say instead of "exceptionally small"?

You can use alternatives like "remarkably tiny", "extraordinarily little", or "uncommonly minute" depending on the context.

Is it redundant to use "very exceptionally small"?

Yes, using "very exceptionally small" is generally redundant. "Exceptionally" already implies a high degree of smallness, so "very" doesn't add significant meaning and can sound awkward. Stick to "exceptionally small" for clarity and impact.

What's the difference between "exceptionally small" and "relatively small"?

"Exceptionally small" implies a deviation from the norm that is striking or unusual, whereas "relatively small" simply indicates smallness in comparison to something else. For example, "This room is exceptionally small for a master bedroom" versus "This room is relatively small compared to the ballroom."