looks small

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "looks small" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe the appearance or perceived size of an object or person in a specific context. Example: "From this angle, the building looks small compared to the surrounding skyscrapers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

She looks small, shy, defeated.

The Guardian

Jeffrey Katzenberg looks small in his armchair.

The Guardian - Film

He looks small and ineffective in the propaganda war.

Independent

Now much of it looks small and slightly embarrassing.

The New York Times - Arts

A large work that looks small, drawing-size.

The New York Times - Arts

It just looks small when you're standing far away".

The Guardian - Arts

The probability looks small, the effect is modest, not big.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"She looks small," Ms. Hong said of her friend, "but she can eat".

The New York Times

Sittwe is one, but it looks small compared with the Dawei project on Myanmar's Tenasserim coast.

The Economist

Obama's office looks small and subdued; it could be the TV room in anyone's house.

The New York Times

The Mayor looks small and meek, a provincial supplicant in the august chambers of the capitol.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing something as "looks small", consider the context. Is it small relative to something else, or is it inherently small? This specificity adds clarity to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "looks small" as a standalone description without providing a reference point. For instance, instead of saying "The portion looks small", specify "The portion looks small compared to the price" to provide context and improve understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "looks small" functions as a linking verb phrase, connecting the subject to an adjective that describes its apparent size. Ludwig provides numerous examples where this phrase serves to describe the visual impression of an object, person, or situation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "looks small" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe something's apparent size or significance. As Ludwig confirms, it is widely used in diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media. While it is generally acceptable in formal writing, consider using more precise language when a more professional tone is required. Remember to provide a clear reference point when using "looks small" to avoid ambiguity and enhance the clarity of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

appears diminutive

Replaces "looks" with "appears" and "small" with "diminutive", emphasizing reduced size.

seems tiny

Substitutes "looks" with "seems" and "small" with "tiny", intensifying the sense of smallness.

appears petite

Replaces "looks" with "appears" and "small" with "petite", suggesting daintiness in size.

seems compact

Substitutes "looks" with "seems" and "small" with "compact", implying efficient use of space despite small size.

appears to be undersized

Replaces "looks small" with a more formal phrasing indicating a size below the standard.

seems insignificant

Changes the meaning slightly to imply small in importance rather than just physical size.

appears to lack magnitude

A more formal and abstract way of saying something looks small, focusing on the absence of size.

gives a shrunken impression

Focuses on the visual effect of something appearing smaller than it is.

projects a miniature form

More artistic phrasing for appearing small, suitable for descriptive writing.

presents as undersized

A formal way of saying something gives impression to be below the normal size.

FAQs

What does it mean when something "looks small"?

When something "looks small", it means that its apparent size is less than what one might expect or is small relative to its surroundings. This can refer to physical dimensions or a perceived lack of significance.

How can I use "looks small" in a sentence?

You can use "looks small" to describe the appearance of an object or person. For example, "From this distance, the car "looks small"" or "The problem "looks small" now, but it could grow larger."

What are some alternatives to saying something "looks small"?

You can use alternatives like "appears diminutive", "seems tiny", or "appears petite" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "looks small" in formal writing?

Yes, "looks small" is generally acceptable in formal writing, but consider using more precise or sophisticated language, such as "appears to be undersized" or "seems insignificant", for a more professional tone if that is more appropriate for your writing.