little cup

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "little cup" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a small-sized cup, often in contexts related to beverages or serving sizes. Example: "She poured the tea into a little cup, perfect for a delicate afternoon snack."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Then the little cup gets tossed.

The New York Times

Get you a little cup.

The New Yorker

But this little cup swings like a heavyweight.

The New York Times

They're in a little cup in front of me...

The New Yorker

Shanahan wandered over to the stills and filled a little cup with second distillate.

The New Yorker

Baby shall be given his own special little cup and his own special little utensils.

The New Yorker

How can you justify so much wasted packaging for a little cup of coffee?

The New York Times - Style

The child lay on a tall padded table and placed his chin in a little cup.

The New Yorker

"She goes off and makes a proper little cup nest to raise the young," Mr. Goodfellow said.

The New York Times - Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Costa Coffee were handing out little cups of water.

The Guardian

They are little cups that can hold so much and no more..

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing beverages, use "little cup" to suggest a small serving size, like a sample or a shot of espresso.

Common error

While "little cup" is perfectly acceptable in casual conversation, opt for "small cup" or more descriptive alternatives like "demitasse" in formal or professional writing to maintain a polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "little cup" functions primarily as a noun phrase modified by an adjective. The adjective "little" serves to specify the size of the "cup", indicating a diminutive version. Ludwig AI validates this usage across numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

83%

Wiki

8%

Huffington Post

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "little cup" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a small cup, often implying endearment or informality. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is frequently found in news and media contexts. While acceptable in most situations, opting for more formal alternatives like "small cup" or specific terms like "demitasse cup" may be preferable in formal writing. Be mindful of the subtle connotations when choosing between "little" and "small" to ensure the intended tone is conveyed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

small cup

Replaces "little" with "small", a direct synonym, maintaining the same meaning.

tiny cup

Substitutes "little" with "tiny", emphasizing the diminutive size of the cup.

miniature cup

Uses "miniature" instead of "little", suggesting a very small, possibly decorative cup.

small-sized cup

Rephrases the description to explicitly state the cup's small size.

petite cup

Employs "petite", a more elegant synonym for "little", often used for delicate items.

demitasse cup

Specifies a small cup typically used for coffee, offering a more precise term.

shot glass

Indicates a small cup used for serving spirits, implying a specific purpose.

small container

Broadens the description to a generic small receptacle, losing the specificity of a cup.

thimble-sized cup

Uses a simile to describe the cup's size, comparing it to a thimble.

wee cup

Utilizes "wee", a Scottish term for "small", adding a regional flair.

FAQs

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

You can use "little cup" to describe a small container for liquids, as in "She served the espresso in a "little cup"" or "He filled a "little cup" with water for his pet."

What's a more formal alternative to "little cup"?

For more formal contexts, consider using "small cup" or a more specific term like "demitasse cup" for coffee or "shot glass" for spirits.

Is there a difference between "little cup" and "small cup"?

While both ""little cup"" and "small cup" refer to the size of the cup, "little cup" can sometimes carry a connotation of endearment or informality that "small cup" might lack. The choice often depends on the specific context and desired tone.

When is it appropriate to use "little cup" instead of "small cup"?

"Little cup" is particularly suitable when referring to something cute or delicate. For example, you might say "She offered me tea in a "little cup"" to emphasize the small and charming nature of the cup.