is fairly small

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is fairly small" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the size of an object, concept, or quantity in a comparative manner, indicating that it is not large. Example: "The garden is fairly small, but it has a charming layout with various plants."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Lyman is fairly small.

Stanford University

His output is fairly small, intricate, chiselled.

The Guardian - Music

The margin of safety is fairly small.

The New York Times - Health

The increased risk is fairly small.

The Guardian

So the short-run elasticity of demand is fairly small.

The New York Times

Also the number of samples is fairly small.

Nature

The UK arms export industry is fairly small.

The Guardian - Opinion

Since our group size is fairly small we will strive to include everyone in the discussion.

Harvard University

The number of rare-map dealers who work at that level is fairly small.

The New Yorker

Second, it is fairly small, so vehicle space is at a premium.

The Guardian

If you discover the knowledge gap is fairly small, that should give you confidence.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is fairly small", ensure the context provides a clear point of comparison or expectation. This helps the reader understand the significance of the size being described.

Common error

Avoid using "is fairly small" when the object or concept is actually tiny or insignificant. Using a more appropriate adjective like "minuscule" or "negligible" will provide a more accurate description.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is fairly small" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase. It modifies a noun to indicate that the noun's size or extent is less than average or expected. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and usable. The phrase provides a comparative context, implying a standard against which the size is being judged.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

28%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is fairly small" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe something that is less than average in size or extent. As Ludwig AI notes, it is widely applicable across various contexts, from academic and scientific writing to news media and everyday conversation. The phrase is particularly useful when providing a general indication of size without needing precise measurements. While it's important to ensure that the description is accurate and avoid overstating the degree of smallness, the versatility and widespread usage of "is fairly small" make it a valuable addition to any writer's vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is moderately small

Replaces "fairly" with "moderately", indicating a slightly less emphatic degree of smallness.

is quite small

Uses "quite" instead of "fairly" for a similar level of emphasis on the small size.

is relatively small

Emphasizes the smallness in relation to something else, adding a comparative aspect.

is somewhat small

Suggests a slightly less significant degree of smallness than "fairly small".

is rather small

Employs "rather" as a substitute for "fairly", conveying a similar level of smallness.

is comparatively small

Highlights the smallness through comparison, similar to "relatively small".

is marginally small

Indicates that the size is small only to a slight degree.

is slightly small

Uses "slightly" to indicate a minimal degree of smallness.

is not very large

Expresses smallness by negating largeness, offering an indirect approach.

is on the smaller side

Phrases the smallness as being part of a spectrum, focusing on the smaller end.

FAQs

How can I use "is fairly small" in a sentence?

You can use "is fairly small" to describe the size, quantity, or extent of something. For example, "The garden "is fairly small", but it's well-maintained" or "The risk "is fairly small", so we can proceed with the project".

What are some alternatives to "is fairly small"?

Some alternatives include "is moderately small", "is quite small", or "is relatively small". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "is fairly small" or "is very small"?

"Is very small" implies a greater degree of smallness than "is fairly small". "Is fairly small" suggests that something is smaller than average or expected, while "is very small" emphasizes its minimal size. Consider the context to choose the most appropriate phrase.

What does "is fairly small" mean?

The phrase "is fairly small" means that something is smaller than what is considered average or typical, but not to an extreme degree. It indicates a moderate level of smallness.