little thing

USAGE SUMMARY

"little thing" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to a small object or activity, often one which is insignificant or trivial. For example: "I don't understand why he got so mad over such a little thing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A mad little thing.

The New Yorker

A nippy little thing.

The New Yorker

One last little thing.

The New York Times

Poor little thing.

The New York Times

Tiny little thing.

The New Yorker

(Oh, that little thing).

The New York Times

Every little thing!

The New Yorker

Every little thing matters.

The New York Times - Sports

But that's no little thing.

The New York Times

"But, see, one little thing.

The New Yorker

"It's just one little thing.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "little thing", consider the context to ensure it accurately reflects the intended level of importance or size. Avoid using it excessively, as it can sometimes sound dismissive.

Common error

Be mindful of overuse; substituting with more precise terms like "minor detail" or "small matter" can enhance clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "little thing" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often used to refer to something that is small in size or importance. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. Examples show it modifying other nouns or acting as a subject or object in a sentence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

10%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "little thing" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to refer to something small or insignificant. Ludwig AI's analysis, backed by numerous examples, shows that while it's versatile, it is generally informal and best suited for casual conversation and less formal writing. When aiming for clarity or professionalism, consider alternatives like "minor detail" or "triviality". Remember to avoid overuse and ensure the context aligns with the intended level of importance. Finally, always consider the purpose to minimize the significance of something, to express affection or endearment, or to refer to something small in a non-specific way.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

small matter

Focuses on the insignificance of the issue.

minor detail

Highlights that it is a detail of low importance.

triviality

Emphasizes lack of importance.

insignificant detail

Highlights both lack of importance and that it is a detail.

small detail

Highlights that it is a detail of low importance.

trifling matter

Emphasizes lack of value and importance.

unimportant aspect

Focuses on the aspect's lack of significance.

petty issue

Highlights its triviality and potential annoyance.

minor issue

Highlights its lower level of importance.

small concern

Indicates the insignificance of the problem.

FAQs

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

You can use "little thing" to refer to something small or insignificant, such as "Don't worry about it, it's just a "small matter"".

What can I say instead of "little thing"?

Alternatives include "minor detail", "triviality", or "insignificant detail", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "little thing" formal or informal?

"Little thing" is generally considered informal. In more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "minor issue" or "unimportant aspect".

When is it appropriate to use "little thing"?

Use "little thing" when you want to downplay the significance of something or refer to something small in a casual way. Avoid it when discussing serious or important matters where a more precise term would be more appropriate.