keep it small

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "keep it small" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when advising someone to limit the size or scope of something, such as a project or idea. Example: "When planning the event, remember to keep it small to ensure better organization and a more intimate atmosphere."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Keep it small and focused.

The Guardian

Keep it small, keep it local.

The Guardian - Sport

Keep it small, spread it out.

The New Yorker

I want to keep it small and flexible.

The New York Times

"We're trying to keep it small, but it keeps growing".

The New York Times

Danny and I decided to keep it small.

The New York Times

"My husband's sense was to keep it small, simple and serene," Becky Lansing said.

The New York Times - Sports

In other words, don't challenge "the beautiful lie" that Americans can do anything — but for now let's keep it small.

The New Yorker

"Break things up, keep it small, don't get into really big and overly complex pieces of legislation," he said.

The New York Times

"My parents and grandparents always wanted to keep it small, but each generation is a little different," he said.

The New York Times - Food

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

"Let's keep it small just the Pilgrims, the Indians, and the Rosenthals".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "keep it small" in project management, specify the criteria for 'small' to ensure everyone understands the limitations and goals.

Common error

Avoid assuming that 'small' is universally understood; clearly define what constitutes 'small' in your specific context to prevent misunderstandings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep it small" functions primarily as an imperative, advising or instructing someone to limit the size or scope of something. Ludwig provides numerous examples across diverse contexts, illustrating its widespread applicability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "keep it small" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to advise limiting the size or scope of something. As confirmed by Ludwig, its versatility extends across various contexts, from news and media to wikis. While the register leans towards neutral to informal, the phrase is widely understood and accepted. Alternatives such as "limit the size" or "reduce the scope" may be considered for more formal settings. Remember to clearly define "small" to prevent misunderstandings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

maintain a small scale

Focuses on maintaining a small size or scope.

limit the size

Emphasizes the act of limiting physical dimensions.

reduce the scope

Concentrates on reducing the extent or range of something.

downsize it

Implies making something smaller, often in a business context.

scale it down

Suggests reducing the overall size or intensity.

make it compact

Highlights the idea of making something more condensed and space-efficient.

keep it concise

Focuses on making something brief and to the point.

minimize it

Emphasizes reducing something to the smallest possible amount or degree.

restrain the extent

Highlights the act of preventing something from becoming large.

keep it manageable

Highlights the importance of keeping it controlled and capable of being handled easily.

FAQs

How can I use "keep it small" in a sentence?

You can use "keep it small" when advising someone to limit the size or scope of something. For example: "When planning the event, remember to keep it small to ensure better organization and a more intimate atmosphere."

What are some alternatives to "keep it small"?

You can use alternatives like "limit the size", "reduce the scope", or "scale it down" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "keep it small"?

It's appropriate to use "keep it small" in contexts where you want to emphasize the importance of maintaining a limited size, scope, or scale, such as in event planning, project management, or business strategy.

Is "keep it small" formal or informal?

"Keep it small" is generally considered informal but is widely accepted in many professional and casual settings. More formal alternatives might include "limit the scope" or "maintain a small scale".