however small

USAGE SUMMARY

"however small" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to denote an exception to a rule or an unexpected outcome. For example, "He achieved great success in his career, however small his beginnings may have been."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Most, however small, have four contestants.

The Economist

Learn a new skill, however small.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Notice things you do well, however small.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

However, small grains are very attractive.

Cornell University

However, small crystal apices still remained.

Surface and Coatings Technology

Give your audience, however small, your best shot.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Promise yourself treats – however small – when you meet your goals.

The Guardian

Playing again at least provided a distraction, however small.

The New York Times - Sports

Many are supportive of these possible changes, however small.

The Guardian - Sport

Fees, however small, hit the poorest and most vulnerable hardest.

The Guardian

For a time its role, however small, was almost forgotten.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "however small" to acknowledge a potential limitation or exception without dismissing the main point. This adds nuance and strengthens your argument by showing you've considered different perspectives.

Common error

Avoid using "however small" simply to add complexity to a sentence. Ensure it genuinely introduces a contrast or concession. Overusing it can weaken your writing and make it sound less sincere.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "however small" functions as an adverbial modifier, adding a qualification or concession to a statement. As Ludwig examples show, it introduces a contrast, acknowledging a limited aspect while still emphasizing a main point.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

26%

Academia

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "however small" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to introduce a concession or contrast, emphasizing that even minimal contributions or aspects can be significant. It's grammatically correct and very common across diverse contexts, including News & Media and Science. While suitable for formal writing, its neutral register makes it broadly applicable. Remember to use it purposefully and avoid overuse. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase follows standard grammar rules and is correct.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

no matter how insignificant

Emphasizes the lack of importance or consequence despite the smallness.

regardless of how minimal

Highlights the reduced quantity or degree, indicating it doesn't change the outcome.

even if minuscule

Stresses the extreme smallness or tininess of something.

though seemingly trivial

Focuses on the apparent unimportance or insignificance.

despite being slight

Acknowledges a small degree or amount, even with the contrast.

however negligible

Implies that something is so small it can be disregarded.

irrespective of its tininess

Underscores that the small size does not affect the situation.

even when barely perceptible

Highlights something that is almost impossible to notice or detect.

albeit diminutive

Formally acknowledges something is small or tiny.

notwithstanding its exiguity

Stresses the meagerness or scantiness of something.

FAQs

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

Use "however small" to introduce a contrasting element that doesn't negate the main point. For example, "The contribution, "however small", made a significant difference." It shows that even a minor action had a positive impact.

What are some alternatives to using "however small"?

You can use alternatives such as "no matter how insignificant", "even if minuscule", or "though seemingly trivial" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to include "however" when using "small" in this context?

While not always grammatically incorrect, omitting "however" can change the meaning. "Small" alone simply describes size; "however small" introduces a contrast or concession, indicating that despite the size, something is still significant.

Can "however small" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "however small" is appropriate for formal writing. It is a grammatically correct and widely accepted phrase, suitable for academic, professional, and journalistic contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its usability.