noticeably small

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "noticeably small" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is clearly or significantly smaller than expected or compared to other items. Example: "The new smartphone model is noticeably small compared to its predecessor, making it easier to hold in one hand."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

When he was twenty-four years old, Alfred Russel Wallace, the greatest field biologist of the nineteenth century, had his head examined by a phrenologist who determined that, while his "organ of wonder" was very big, his "organ of veneration," representing respect for authority, was noticeably small.

The New Yorker

Also in this study, the bone loss amount was noticeably small compared to regular implants reported in previous studies.

Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

Like living moles, it has a broad, flat, and short head, but it forms a noticeably small angle with the body —in actual moles, the head is more axially oriented (i.e., towards the central axis of the foot).

Wikipedia

Acute clinical signs were not reported but the ewes lambed with noticeably small and weak lambs.

Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica

Despite being malnourished and noticeably small for his age, Parvez stood out from the other children in his lesson with his swimming talent.

Unicef

Noticeably, small vesicles positive for the autophagic membrane protein ATG9 were also generated in the reaction, but in this case vesicles formed independent of PI3K or COPII, suggesting that this potential source of autophagosomal membrane was generated in a process distinct from that of the LC3 lipidation active vesicles.

eLife

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

I noticed that Paula's mammary glands were noticeably smaller than those of the other lactating females.

The New York Times

Nor are IMF packages noticeably smaller.

The Economist

Foul territory will also be noticeably smaller.

The New York Times - Sports

Margins are negligible and the type is noticeably smaller.

The New York Times

Another study using a related method finds noticeably smaller effects.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "noticeably small", ensure the context clearly establishes a comparison or expectation, making the smallness significant. For example, "The decline in sales was noticeably small compared to last quarter's figures".

Common error

Avoid using "noticeably small" in situations where the smallness is already expected or irrelevant. For example, saying "The ant was noticeably small" is redundant because ants are inherently small. Instead, provide a comparison or unexpected twist.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "noticeably small" functions as a pre-modifying adjective phrase, used to describe a noun by indicating that it is smaller than average or expected. As Ludwig AI confirms, the expression is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "noticeably small" is a grammatically sound phrase used to emphasize the diminutive size of an object or concept, especially in comparison to expectations. As Ludwig AI highlights, it is considered correct and usable in written English. While its use is not exceptionally common, it finds relevance across various contexts, including science, news media, and business communications. When using this phrase, ensure there is a clear reference point for comparison to justify emphasizing the small size.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

distinctly small

Emphasizes the clarity of the smallness, making it easily perceived.

visibly small

Highlights that the small size is apparent and can be readily seen.

markedly small

Indicates a significant or considerable degree of smallness.

appreciably small

Suggests the smallness is enough to be recognized or considered.

measurably small

Implies that the small size can be quantified.

perceptibly small

Focuses on the ease with which the smallness is noticed.

patently small

Highlights the obviousness and clarity of the small size.

remarkably small

Stresses the unusual or surprising nature of the small size.

ostensibly small

Suggests the smallness is apparent but might not be entirely genuine.

demonstrably small

Indicates that the small size can be clearly proven or shown.

FAQs

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

Use "noticeably small" to describe something that is clearly smaller than expected or compared to something else. For example, "The portion size was "noticeably small", leaving me still hungry after the meal".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "noticeably small"?

You can use alternatives such as "distinctly small", "visibly small", or "markedly small" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "noticeably smaller" instead of "noticeably small"?

Yes, "noticeably smaller" is also correct and often used when directly comparing two items. For example, "This phone is "noticeably smaller" than the previous model".

What is the difference between "slightly small" and "noticeably small"?

"Slightly small" indicates a minor difference in size, while "noticeably small" implies a more significant and easily observed difference. Use "noticeably small" when the size difference is clear and apparent.