it was very small

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was very small" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe the size of an object or entity in a comparative manner, often to emphasize its smallness. Example: "The box was so tiny that when I opened it, I realized it was very small compared to what I had expected."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

The need for a film archive in the UK was felt as early as 1930 but "it was very small and underfunded", Ms Dixon said.

Independent

It was very small.

The New York Times

It was very small and extremely impromptu.

The New York Times

It was very small, very delicate.

The New York Times - Food

It was very small and damp.

The Guardian

It was very small — only 4 by 8 centimeters.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

"It is very small," Ms. Poulin said.

The New York Times

It's very small and cosy.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It's very small and completely sheltered.

The Guardian - Travel

"It's very small sums," he says.

The Guardian

It's very small, and it's shrinking".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To add vividness, follow "it was very small" with a comparison. For example, "It was very small, about the size of a coin."

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on "very" as it can weaken your writing. Replace "very small" with more descriptive adjectives like "minuscule", "tiny", or "petite" for a stronger impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was very small" functions as a descriptive statement, providing information about the size of something. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, as evidenced by numerous examples across various reliable sources.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

32%

Formal & Business

18%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was very small" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase for describing something of diminutive size. Ludwig AI's analysis shows it's prevalent across various contexts, including News & Media, Science and Formal & Business writing. While generally neutral in register, consider more descriptive alternatives for enhanced impact or formality. Avoid over-reliance on "very" for stronger writing. Real-world examples and authoritative sources support its versatility and clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was quite petite

Emphasizes daintiness or elegance in addition to small size.

it was extremely tiny

Intensifies the smallness, highlighting just how little something was.

it was really minuscule

Uses a more technical term to stress the minute dimensions.

it was remarkably little

Highlights the unexpected nature of its small size.

it was surprisingly compact

Focuses on the efficient use of space despite the small size.

it was incredibly undersized

Emphasizes that it is smaller than the average or expected size.

it was absolutely minute

Stresses the extreme smallness, almost to the point of being unnoticeable.

it was just diminutive

Highlights the small size using a more formal term.

it was somewhat cramped

Implies a lack of space due to its small size.

it was relatively insignificant

Shifts the focus from physical size to importance or impact.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "it was very small" to sound more sophisticated?

Consider using alternatives such as "it was quite petite", "it was remarkably little", or "it was surprisingly compact" depending on the context. Each of these options offers a slightly different nuance while maintaining the core meaning of small size. For more ideas, explore phrases like "it was quite petite" or "it was remarkably little".

When is it better to use a synonym for "it was very small"?

Using a synonym can enhance the clarity or impact of your writing, particularly when you want to emphasize a specific aspect of smallness, such as daintiness or unexpectedness. For instance, "it was remarkably little" implies surprise, while "it was quite petite" suggests elegance. Consider alternatives such as "it was remarkably little" or "it was quite petite".

What are some creative ways to describe something that's "it was very small"?

Instead of just stating that something is small, try comparing it to a familiar object. For example, "it was very small, about the size of a coin", or "it was very small, like a grain of sand". This creates a more vivid image for the reader.

Is "it was very small" always the best way to describe size?

While "it was very small" is grammatically correct and understandable, it can sometimes lack precision or impact. Using more descriptive adjectives or comparisons can provide a clearer and more engaging picture for your reader. Therefore, vary your language to suit the context. Consider phrases such as "it was extremely tiny".