little ones

USAGE SUMMARY

"little ones" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is often used to refer to small children, often in a friendly or affectionate way. For example, "Let's get the little ones ready for bed".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We got little ones".

The New York Times

"With the two little ones".

The New Yorker

The little ones like bees.

The New Yorker

We have no little ones.

The New Yorker

Little ones in tow?

The New York Times - Travel

It's little ones like this.

Cornell University

BIG companies swallow little ones every day.

The Economist

But the little ones are all mine.

The New York Times

Already little ones — toys, really — sweep floors.

The New York Times

"I have three little ones myself.

The New York Times - Sports

It includes big countries and little ones.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "little ones" in contexts where a gentle or affectionate tone is appropriate, such as when speaking to or about children in a familiar setting.

Common error

Avoid using "little ones" in formal or professional documents; opt for more neutral terms like "children" or "young individuals" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "little ones" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often used as a direct object or subject in sentences. Ludwig AI confirms this usage with numerous examples where it refers to children in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "little ones" is a common and generally correct phrase used to refer to young children. Ludwig AI identifies it as a noun phrase that conveys affection or endearment. While most common in informal contexts and news media, as per Ludwig's analysis, it is less frequent in formal or scientific writing. Consider using alternatives like "children" or "young individuals" in professional settings. The expert rating is high due to its grammatical correctness and wide usage. Always ensure the tone of "little ones" aligns with the intended audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

children

A direct and neutral term for young humans.

small children

A more literal and less affectionate way to refer to children.

youngsters

A general term for young people, including children.

kids

An informal and common term for children.

tiny tots

An endearing phrase emphasizing the small size of young children.

wee ones

A folksy and affectionate term for children.

small fry

Informal and slightly humorous term for children or smaller, less important individuals.

junior members

A more formal term, often used within a group or family context.

smaller counterparts

Refers to smaller versions or members of a group, not exclusively children.

minor individuals

A legalistic term for individuals who are not adults.

FAQs

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

You can use "little ones" in a sentence like: "Let's read a bedtime story to the "little ones"" or "Are the "little ones" ready for their nap?". It is often used in a familiar or affectionate way.

What is a more formal alternative to "little ones"?

If you need a more formal term, consider using "children" or "young individuals" instead of ""little ones"", especially in professional or academic contexts.

Is "little ones" appropriate for all age groups?

The term ""little ones"" is best suited for young children, typically those in preschool or early elementary school. For older children or teenagers, "youngsters" or "kids" might be more appropriate.

Can "little ones" refer to anything other than children?

While primarily used to refer to children, ""little ones"" can sometimes be used metaphorically to refer to smaller or less significant items or entities, though this usage is less common.