little boy

USAGE SUMMARY

"little boy" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe a young male child or a boy who is smaller in size or age in comparison to others. Example: The little boy ran ahead of his mother, excited to explore the park.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Shine bright, little boy".

Independent

A little boy.

Independent

"But... my little boy".

The New York Times

"You're my little boy".

The New Yorker

A little boy squealed.

The New York Times

Little Boy was female.

The New Yorker

Her little boy was sick.

The New Yorker

And the little boy knew.

The New York Times

Who was this little boy?

The New York Times

He's a lazy little boy.

The New York Times

"Looks like a little boy".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using more descriptive language if the context requires it. For example, instead of just "little boy", you could say "the energetic little boy" or "the shy little boy".

Common error

While acceptable in general contexts, excessive use of the phrase "little boy" can sound patronizing or overly sentimental in professional or academic writing. Opt for more neutral terms like "child" or "young male" when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "little boy" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject or object in a sentence. Ludwig AI shows it's used to identify a young male child.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "little boy" is a common and generally acceptable way to refer to a young male child. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While versatile, it's crucial to consider the register and choose more formal alternatives like "young male" or "child" in professional or academic settings. The phrase's inherent informality means that in certain settings, alternative terms may be more appropriate. Consider related phrases like "young lad" or "small child" to provide subtle differences in meaning or tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

boy child

A more formal and slightly redundant way to say "little boy".

small child

Focuses on the age and size aspect of the boy.

young lad

Replaces "boy" with a slightly more old-fashioned term, emphasizing youth.

youngster

A general term for a young person, less specific than "little boy".

male infant

Highlights the infant stage, suitable if the child is very young.

tiny tot

Emphasizes the small size and youthfulness, often used affectionately.

wee one

A cute and endearing term for a small child, particularly common in Scottish English.

young man

Highlights emerging manhood, while still acknowledging youth.

small fry

Colloquial term indicating youth and insignificance in a playful manner.

miniature male

A more formal and somewhat unusual way to refer to a small male child.

FAQs

How can I use "little boy" in a sentence?

You can use "little boy" to describe a young male child, as in, "The "little boy" was playing with his toys."

What are some alternatives to "little boy"?

Alternatives include "young lad", "small child", or "youngster", depending on the context.

Is it always appropriate to use the term "little boy"?

While generally acceptable, consider the context. In formal settings, "young male" or "child" may be more suitable. Overuse can sometimes sound patronizing.

What is the difference between "little boy" and "boy child"?

"Boy child" is a more formal and less common way of saying "little boy". It's often used in legal or official contexts.