little flaw

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "little flaw" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a minor imperfection or defect in something, often in a context where the flaw is not significant enough to cause major issues. Example: "Despite the little flaw in the design, the overall product is still quite impressive."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

Is there a little flaw here?

The New Yorker

"Do we restore every little flaw?" Coddington said.

The New Yorker

One tiny little flaw with this dystopic piece of counter-factualism: er, the public sector was entrusted with doing just that.

Independent

Martin Dressler rises in the world and is fortunate to be able to satisfy "his heart's desire," but, as Millhauser writes, "this is a perilous privilege, which the gods watch jealously, waiting for the flaw, the little flaw, that brings everything to ruin, in the end".

The New Yorker

Besides, the diffraction peaks become different from the others with a little flaw as the CIT/Y = 4 1.

Nanoscale Research Letters

But on a design that otherwise seems so clean, this little flaw just screams oversight.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Little flaws, multiplied, mocked the cheery optimism of the veneers.

The New York Times - Magazine

And when pressed, she admits seeing little flaws, like a glimpse of the mattress formerly hidden by the bed skirt.

The New York Times

Compared to the rest, and even though they have moods and little flaws of their own, Moominmamma, Moominpappa, and Moomintroll are enviably easygoing.

The New Yorker

Now, any big book on big ideas will inevitably turn out to have lots of little flaws in argument and detail along the way.

The New Yorker

I find little flaws I have in practice, I work on those and go to the gym or I eat better".

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "little flaw" to downplay an imperfection, suggesting it's not critical. For example, 'The product has a "little flaw", but it's still functional.'

Common error

Avoid using "little flaw" when the imperfection severely impacts usability or quality. A major issue shouldn't be minimized with this phrase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "little flaw" functions as a noun phrase, where "little" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "flaw". Ludwig examples illustrate its use in describing minor imperfections or shortcomings.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "little flaw" is a grammatically sound and usable expression for describing minor imperfections. Ludwig examples demonstrate its prevalence in contexts ranging from news and media to scientific discussions. The phrase serves to minimize the impact of a fault. Alternatives include "minor imperfection" or "slight defect". Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English, fitting seamlessly into diverse communication styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

minor imperfection

Focuses on the aesthetic or functional aspect of the flaw.

slight defect

Emphasizes the deviation from a standard or expectation.

small blemish

Highlights a superficial or cosmetic flaw.

tiny fault

Underscores the insignificance of the flaw.

insignificant imperfection

Explicitly states the flaw's lack of importance.

negligible defect

Suggests the flaw is so small it can be ignored.

minor shortcoming

Highlights the lack of a desirable quality.

trivial imperfection

Emphasizes the unimportance of the flaw.

slight imperfection

Indicates the flaw is barely noticeable.

small failing

Highlights a minor instance of not meeting expectations.

FAQs

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

You can use "little flaw" to describe a minor imperfection or defect. For instance, "Despite the "little flaw" in the painting, it's still beautiful."

What are some alternatives to "little flaw"?

Alternatives include "minor imperfection", "slight defect", or "small blemish". The choice depends on the specific context.

Is "little flaw" formal or informal?

"Little flaw" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal synonyms like "minor defect" may be preferred in highly formal writing.

What's the difference between a "little flaw" and a "major defect"?

A "little flaw" refers to a minor imperfection that doesn't significantly impact functionality or appearance, while a "major defect" indicates a significant issue that severely affects the usability or value of something.