is too small

USAGE SUMMARY

"is too small" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
It is commonly used when comparing two things to indicate that one is not as large as the other. For example, "The desk is too small for all my books."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Syria is too small.

The New York Times

"This is too small.

The New York Times - Sports

None is too small.

The New York Times

Our voice is too small".

The New York Times

No item is too small.

The New York Times - Health

This room is too small.

Independent

The planet is too small.

The New York Times

"No amount is too small".

The New York Times

No subject is too small.

The New York Times

The stage is too small for Balanchine.

The New York Times - Arts

The black population is too small.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is too small", ensure the context clearly indicates what standard or expectation is not being met. For example, "This room is too small for the conference." clarifies the intended comparison.

Common error

Avoid using "is too small" without specifying what it is too small for. Saying "The portion is too small" is less effective than "The portion is too small for a growing teenager".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is too small" functions as a predicate adjective, describing the subject's size relative to a required or expected dimension. Ludwig AI indicates its use in various contexts to express that something does not meet size requirements.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Science

23%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is too small" functions as a predicate adjective, indicating that something doesn't meet a required size or dimension. Ludwig AI analysis confirms it's grammatically correct and widely used across diverse contexts, primarily in news and media, science, and general discussions. Alternatives like "is not big enough" or "is smaller than required" can be used for variety, but the key is to ensure the context clarifies what the subject is too small for. Common mistakes involve vague comparisons, so specifying the unmet need enhances clarity. With examples from authoritative sources like The New York Times and Forbes, this phrase proves its versatility and relevance in expressing size-related inadequacies.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is smaller than required

More directly compares the size to a requirement.

is not big enough

Uses more common and simple vocabulary to convey the same meaning.

is insufficiently large

Replaces 'small' with its antonym 'large' modified by 'insufficiently', emphasizing the lack of required size.

is of inadequate size

Emphasizes the 'size' aspect and uses a more formal term 'inadequate'.

does not meet size requirements

Shifts focus to the requirements that are not being met rather than the attribute itself.

is below the necessary dimensions

Focuses on dimensions and necessity, implying a standard is not met.

is on the small side

Informal expression suggesting it's a bit smaller than expected.

is wanting in magnitude

Employs more sophisticated language to express the deficiency in size.

is limited in scope

Shifts the focus from physical size to the extent of something.

is too narrow

Focuses on one specific dimension (width) instead of overall size.

FAQs

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

Use "is too small" to indicate that something does not meet the required or expected size. For example, "This shirt "is too small" for me" or "The budget "is too small" to cover all expenses".

What are some alternatives to "is too small"?

Alternatives include phrases like "is not big enough", "is smaller than required", or "is insufficiently large", depending on the level of formality and the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "is too small" instead of "is not big enough"?

"Is too small" and "is not big enough" are often interchangeable. "Is too small" may be slightly more direct, while "is not big enough" can sometimes sound more conversational.

What's the difference between "is too small" and "is inadequate"?

"Is too small" refers specifically to physical dimensions, whereas "is inadequate" suggests a more general deficiency. You might say "The box "is too small" to fit the gift", but "The funding is inadequate to support the project".