how small it is

USAGE SUMMARY

'how small it is' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing something that is small in comparison to something else. For example: "Bob was surprised at how small it is compared to the other ones he has seen".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

That's how small it is.

The New York Times - Sports

That's just how small it is".

The New Yorker

"Look how small it is!" people murmured.

The New Yorker

It's crazy how small it is," Walken said.

The New Yorker

"See how small it is," Mr. Steets said.

The New York Times

You may be stunned by how small it is.

The New York Times - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

"You get a real sense of how big the room was – or how small it was".

The Guardian

"My only real impression was of how small it was," he said afterward.

The New York Times

"We liked the absurdity of how small it was," he said.

The New York Times

He said that one of the things that struck him about the shuttle was how small it was.

The New York Times

"It was shocking to see how small it was when I actually got there," recalls Kopacz, now a senior.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "how small it is", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being compared. This helps avoid ambiguity and strengthens the impact of your statement.

Common error

While grammatically sound, "how small it is" can sometimes sound informal. In professional or academic contexts, consider more precise alternatives like "its limited scope" or "its minimal proportions" to maintain a formal tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "how small it is" functions as a relative clause, often serving as a complement within a larger sentence. It typically introduces a statement of observation or surprise about the diminutive size of something, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Academia

16%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "how small it is" functions as a relative clause to express surprise or observation about the size of something. It is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, though it may be considered less formal than alternatives like "its limited scope". According to Ludwig, the phrase sees frequent use in News & Media and Academic contexts. Remember to ensure clarity in your writing by clearly stating what is being compared and consider more precise language for highly formal situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

how reduced it is

This option emphasizes the act of being made smaller or less.

the limited scope of it

This alternative emphasizes the restricted nature or extent of something.

its petite format

This alternative is suitable when referring to physical dimensions or presentation.

the compactness of its form

This alternative is best when describing something that is efficiently small or tightly packed.

its minimal proportions

This phrase highlights the small size using more formal vocabulary.

its rather diminutive stature

This version uses "stature" to suggest size or importance and "diminutive" for smallness.

the modesty of its size

This phrase underscores the unassuming or humble nature of its dimensions.

the insignificance of its scale

This choice focuses on the lack of importance due to size.

the tininess of its magnitude

Using "magnitude" can add emphasis, especially when referring to abstract concepts.

the paltriness of its extent

This implies that something is not only small but also inadequate or worthless.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "how small it is" to sound more formal?

Consider using phrases like "the limited scope of it", "its minimal proportions", or "the insignificance of its scale" to convey a similar meaning with a more formal tone. You can explore other options like "its rather diminutive stature" as well.

What's the difference between "how small it is" and "how tiny it is"?

While both phrases express smallness, "how tiny it is" often implies a greater degree of smallness and can sometimes carry a sense of endearment or surprise. "How small it is" is a more general observation about size.

Is it ever incorrect to use "how small it is" in a sentence?

No, the phrase "how small it is" is grammatically correct. However, ensure the context is clear, and consider the tone; in very formal writing, more precise or elevated vocabulary might be preferable.

Can I use "how small it is" to describe abstract concepts?

Yes, you can use "how small it is" to describe abstract concepts like budgets, efforts, or progress. For example: "The OECD has taken a small step forward today, but what's notable is how small it is."