for small mercies

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "for small mercies" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used in a figurative sense to express gratitude or relief for small or insignificant blessings or good things, especially in a difficult or challenging situation. Example: "After the car accident, I was grateful for small mercies such as not sustaining any major injuries." In this example, the speaker is expressing relief and gratitude for being spared from major injuries, despite being involved in a car accident.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

Be grateful for small mercies.

The New Yorker

'Thank God for small mercies.

The Guardian - Books

Thank heavens for small mercies.

The Guardian - Film

Be thankful for small mercies, Francine.

The New Yorker

We must be thankful for small mercies.

The Guardian - Opinion

We should be thankful for small mercies.

The Guardian - Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

Thank goodness for such small mercies.

The Economist

For these small mercies many thanks.

The Guardian - Opinion

Mr Sharma reminded reporters that there was a teenage girl - Mr Akhlaq's daughter - in the home, and nobody had touched her, as if India's women should be eternally grateful for such small mercies.

BBC

MLS, for their part, will be relieved for the small mercy this didn't happen in a league game, which would have compelled them to invoke their own internal disciplinary mechanisms.

The Guardian - Sport

Diski is extremely grateful for the small mercy of not having to go back to hospital for a while.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "for small mercies" to acknowledge minor positive outcomes in otherwise difficult or negative circumstances. It adds a touch of wry humor or quiet resilience to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "for small mercies" when genuinely significant positive events occur. The phrase is most effective when highlighting minor benefits amidst larger challenges.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for small mercies" functions as an interjection or parenthetical expression. It's typically used to express relief or gratitude for minor positive outcomes in a negative or challenging situation. As Ludwig AI suggests, the phrase is correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "for small mercies" is a correct and very common phrase used to express gratitude for minor positive outcomes, especially in difficult situations. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage. Predominantly found in news and media sources, it carries a neutral tone and is often used to acknowledge small benefits when larger positive results are absent. Consider using it to add a touch of realism and subtle appreciation in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

appreciate the little things

This alternative highlights the value of small, often overlooked positives, promoting a sense of thankfulness for minor benefits.

something is better than nothing

This expresses a pragmatic acceptance and gratitude for partial or minimal positive outcomes in absence of better options.

be grateful for what you have

This alternative focuses on appreciating current possessions or circumstances, which implies thankfulness even if those things are limited.

count your blessings

This phrase encourages a focus on positive aspects, regardless of how small or few they may be, suggesting a similar mindset of gratitude.

find joy in the simple things

Similar to appreciating the little things, this emphasizes the ability to derive happiness from basic or minor aspects of life.

look on the bright side

This encourages a positive perspective by focusing on the advantages in a negative situation, reflecting thankfulness for any available benefits.

every cloud has a silver lining

This proverb expresses the idea that even in negative situations, there are small positive elements to be grateful for.

it could be worse

This acknowledges potential for greater negativity and expresses implicit gratitude for the less severe current situation.

make the best of it

This phrase suggests accepting a less-than-ideal situation and focusing on maximizing available positive aspects.

take what you can get

Suggests acceptance of limited positive outcomes with implied gratitude, acknowledging lack of better alternatives.

FAQs

How can I use "for small mercies" in a sentence?

You can use "for small mercies" to express gratitude or relief for minor positive aspects in a difficult situation. For example, "The project failed, but "for small mercies", we didn't lose any money."

What's a less common way to say "for small mercies"?

While "for small mercies" is quite common, you could use phrases like "something is better than nothing" or "I'm grateful for what I have" to express a similar sentiment of acknowledging and appreciating minor positives.

Is it ever inappropriate to use the phrase "for small mercies"?

Yes, avoid using "for small mercies" when the positive outcome is genuinely significant or monumental. The phrase is intended for acknowledging minor benefits amidst larger challenges, not for downplaying major successes.

What feeling does the phrase "for small mercies" convey?

The phrase "for small mercies" often conveys a feeling of quiet gratitude, resilience, and sometimes a touch of wry humor. It suggests an acknowledgement of difficulties, coupled with an appreciation for any available positive aspects.