extremely small

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "extremely small" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is exceptionally tiny or insignificant in size. Example: The ants in the backyard were extremely small, barely visible to the naked eye.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Extremely small portions.

The New Yorker

Extremely small tables.

The New York Times

The braincase was extremely small.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Visual impact is extremely small".

The Guardian - Business

However, the odds are extremely small.

The New Yorker

First, ten is an extremely small sample.

The Economist

But these quakes really are extremely small.

The Economist

CONS: The kitchen is extremely small.

The New York Times

The differences, I suspect, were extremely small.

The New York Times - Books

Chances are extremely small that will happen.

The Washington Post

These holes are extremely small indeed.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing sizes, use "extremely small" to emphasize a significantly reduced scale, particularly when comparing it to a standard or expected size.

Common error

Avoid using "extremely small" without a clear reference point. Always provide context to illustrate what the size is being compared to, enhancing clarity and avoiding ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "extremely small" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It serves to intensify the adjective "small", indicating a significantly reduced size or degree. Ludwig AI affirms its correct usage in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

37%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Academia

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "extremely small" is a grammatically sound and commonly used adjective phrase to emphasize that something is significantly smaller than average. As noted by Ludwig AI, it's a correct and usable part of English writing. It appears frequently in "News & Media" and "Science", indicating its widespread applicability. When using this phrase, ensure a clear reference point for comparison to avoid ambiguity. For similar expressions, consider alternatives like "very tiny" or "remarkably minute" to diversify your writing. With these guidelines, you can confidently use "extremely small" to convey the intended degree of diminutiveness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

very tiny

Emphasizes the size aspect, highlighting that something is exceptionally minute.

minuscule

A more formal and direct synonym for very small.

exceptionally little

Focuses on the quantity or degree being minimal.

remarkably minute

Stresses the surprising or noteworthy tininess.

incredibly diminutive

Highlights the small size in a more formal or literary way.

vanishingly small

Implies the size is so small it's almost disappearing.

microscopic

Indicates that the size requires a microscope to be seen properly.

negligibly small

Suggests the size is so small it's not worth considering.

barely perceptible

Highlights that something is hardly noticeable because of its size.

infinitesimal

Indicates an immeasurably small size, often used in scientific contexts.

FAQs

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

You can use "extremely small" to describe something significantly below average size, for example, "The portions were "extremely small"" or "The risk is "extremely small"".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "extremely small"?

Alternatives include "very tiny", "remarkably minute", or "vanishingly small" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "extremely small" and "very small"?

"Extremely small" emphasizes a greater degree of smallness compared to "very small". It suggests that something is not just small, but exceptionally so.

When is it appropriate to use "extremely small" in formal writing?

It is suitable in formal writing when precision is needed to convey the degree of smallness, particularly in scientific or technical contexts where even "very small" measurements may be significant.