for its size

USAGE SUMMARY

"for its size" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use the phrase to compare the size of one object with another. For example, "This small car is surprisingly roomy for its size."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

It's heavy for its size -- it's like a little tank -- and it's a blast to drive.

The New York Times - Travel

For its size it is the world's fastest packing job, 24 hrs.

The New Yorker

However for its size, it's sound is powerful.

TechCrunch

For its size, it sure has a lot.

TechCrunch

Off the motorway, it's obviously no sports car, but nor is it cumbersome for its size.

The Guardian - Tech

But it is unusual for its size and scope.

The New York Times - Tech

The same goes if the mussel feels heavy for its size or if it's cracked.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

Known for its size-inclusive vintage-inspired styles, Modcloth has become a destination among retro lovers.

HuffPost

Not at all, for its size.

The New York Times

It is lightweight for its size weighing in somewhere in the 55 to 75-pound range.

Forbes

But, for its size, it sounds great.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "for its size" to highlight unexpected qualities or performance, creating a contrast between what is expected and what is observed. For example, "The speaker produces impressive bass for its size."

Common error

Avoid using "for its size" when the size is the expected defining characteristic. It's redundant to say "This tiny house is small for its size"; instead, focus on what's remarkable about it, such as "This tiny house is surprisingly efficient."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for its size" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or adjective to indicate a comparison based on physical dimensions. Ludwig examples confirm its role in qualifying a characteristic relative to an object's size.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "for its size" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to express surprise or qualification based on an object's dimensions. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide acceptance across various contexts, including news media, academia, and general writing. To use it effectively, ensure that you are highlighting a noteworthy characteristic in relation to the expected performance of something of that size. Avoid redundancy by not using it when size is the defining characteristic. Remember, the goal is to create a contrast and emphasize an unexpected quality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

considering its dimensions

Focuses on the spatial measurements as a point of reference.

relative to its proportions

Highlights the relationship between different parts of the whole.

given its magnitude

Emphasizes the overall extent or importance as a baseline.

in comparison to its volume

Specifically refers to the amount of space occupied.

accounting for its scale

Acknowledges the relative size or extent of something.

taking its area into account

Considers the two-dimensional space it covers.

weighing its size against

Explicitly balances its dimensions with another factor.

assessed by its measurements

Focuses on quantifiable dimensions for evaluation.

regarding its spatial extent

Refers to the object's range or scope in space.

considering the object's bigness

Uses an informal synonym to convey relative magnitude.

FAQs

How can I use "for its size" in a sentence?

Use "for its size" to express that something possesses a quality that is surprising or noteworthy given its dimensions. For instance, "The engine is remarkably powerful "for its size"."

What are some alternatives to saying "for its size"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "considering its dimensions", "relative to its proportions", or "given its magnitude" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it always necessary to explicitly mention size when using "for its size"?

Yes, the phrase "for its size" implies a comparison with the typical expectations for an object of that size. Omitting the reference to size would make the sentence incomplete and unclear.

What's the difference between "for its size" and "despite its size"?

"For its size" indicates a surprising quality given the dimensions, while "despite its size" suggests that the size is a hindrance that is overcome. For example, "The phone has a great battery life "for its size"", versus "despite its size, the phone fits comfortably in my pocket".