little trick

USAGE SUMMARY

"little trick" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a small action or knowledge that someone has acquired in order to achieve something or solve a problem. For example, "I picked up a little trick for quickly organizing my closet."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's a little trick".

The New York Times

"Instead the brewers have a little trick.

The New York Times - Science

He does this little trick that Thucydides describes.

Yale University

It's a really simple, really weird little trick.

The Guardian - Film

I know his little trick, what he does.

The Guardian - Sport

A nice little trick in the software is blinking the digit that is currently being edited.

Cornell University

The first thing he said was "So your little trick didn't work".

The New Yorker

But they did do a neat little trick, making Kate and Steve swallow thermometers.

Independent

In those instances, this little trick with Streets can be a handy shortcut.

The New York Times

Well, there's a dirty little trick that might explain their red colour.

The Economist

But don't stop there, because by the tenth or twelfth yawn, you'll feel the power of this seductive little trick.

University of Pennsylvania

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a solution that is both simple and clever, use "little trick" to convey both aspects effectively. It's more descriptive than simply calling something a "solution".

Common error

While "little trick" is widely understood, avoid overusing it in formal writing where a more precise term like "method" or "technique" might be more appropriate. Consider your audience and the level of formality required.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "little trick" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often used as the object of a verb or preposition. It describes a specific action, method, or piece of knowledge. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "little trick" is a commonly used and generally acceptable way to describe a clever or simple method for achieving a desired outcome. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's correct and usable in written English. While versatile, it's important to consider the context and audience. In formal settings, more precise terms like "method" or "technique" may be preferable. Its high frequency in news and media, academia, and wiki sources underscores its broad applicability. When aiming for clarity and simplicity in explaining a solution, "little trick" offers an effective means of conveying both the simplicity and ingenuity of the approach.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

clever method

Focuses on the ingenuity of the approach, omitting the scale.

simple technique

Emphasizes ease of execution while being technically correct, omitting the level of deceit.

neat solution

Highlights the effectiveness and tidiness of the solution, omitting the scale.

handy shortcut

Stresses the time-saving aspect, shifting the focus from the cleverness.

smart approach

Highlights the intelligence behind the method, lacking the scale.

easy fix

Focuses on the simplicity and ease of resolution, omitting the cleverness.

quick remedy

Emphasizes the speed of the solution, losing the nuance of cleverness.

useful tip

Highlights the practicality of the information, removing the connotation of cleverness or deceit.

simple workaround

Focuses on circumventing a problem simply, omitting the cleverness.

basic tactic

Emphasizes the fundamental nature of the maneuver, lacking the element of ingenuity.

FAQs

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

You can use "little trick" to describe a simple but clever method for achieving something, as in, "I learned a "little trick" for quickly peeling garlic".

What are some alternatives to "little trick"?

Alternatives include "clever method", "simple technique", or "handy shortcut", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "little trick" too informal for professional writing?

While generally acceptable, "little trick" might be considered informal in some professional contexts. Consider using a more formal alternative like "useful tip" or "simple workaround" if the situation requires a higher degree of formality.

What does "little trick" mean?

"Little trick" refers to a small or simple action, method, or piece of knowledge that is cleverly employed to solve a problem or achieve a desired outcome. The emphasis is on its simplicity and effectiveness.