notwithstanding its smallness

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "notwithstanding its smallness" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is true or valid despite the fact that it is small or minor in size or importance. Example: "Notwithstanding its smallness, the device is remarkably powerful and efficient."

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

When I finally stood in front of it, I was struck by its smallness: 30 x 44 inches.

Cornell University

And yet it seemed to me as striking for its smallness, just 160 feet of herringbone tile from end to end.

The New York Times - Arts

But in the context of the show, it was a valuable counterweight, a moment powerful precisely for its smallness and near-stillness, rather than its glorious heat or bounding momentum.

The New York Times - Arts

Sarah Palin's big new life is remarkable for its smallness.

The New York Times

MacLeod's literary oeuvre is notable for its smallness.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The show is acutely aware of its smallness and impotence.

The New Yorker

The bigness of the McCartney sensibility lies in its smallness.

The New York Times - Arts

But then, a tweet is notable above all else for its smallness.

The New Yorker

Her biggest struggle was getting out of DeLisle, a place which for years she hated, for its smallness, its racism.

The Guardian - Books

"The Fantasticks" is a musical that revels in its smallness, so at times the show feels thin.

The New York Times

Like other European pockets of wealth — Monaco springs to mind — Luxembourg exudes smugness in its smallness, and a velvety well-being.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context. While grammatically correct, this phrase can sound formal. Opt for simpler alternatives like "despite its small size" in informal settings.

Common error

Avoid using "notwithstanding its smallness" in casual or informal writing, as it can come across as pretentious or unnatural. Simpler alternatives are often more appropriate and effective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "notwithstanding its smallness" functions as a prepositional phrase that introduces a statement of contrast or concession. As Ludwig AI highlights, it indicates that despite the small size or scale of something, another quality or outcome exists that is noteworthy.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "notwithstanding its smallness" is a grammatically acceptable prepositional phrase used to introduce a contrast or concession. While it conveys that something significant exists despite a limited size or scale, Ludwig AI and the examples provided indicate its formal tone. It is most commonly found in News & Media, Science, and Encyclopedias, making it less appropriate for informal contexts. Consider alternatives like "despite its small size" for everyday communication to maintain clarity and relevance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

despite its diminutive size

Focuses specifically on physical size as the aspect being contrasted.

in spite of its limited scale

Emphasizes the scale or scope of something, presenting a similar contrast.

even with its modest proportions

Highlights the proportions as a factor, suggesting a surprising result.

regardless of its compactness

Stresses the compactness or density, offering a slight variation in meaning.

despite its minimal extent

Focuses on the range or reach, a more formal alternative.

though its magnitude is slight

A more literary phrasing emphasizing a lack of grandeur.

even if its size is negligible

Emphasizes the insignificance of the size.

irrespective of its petite nature

Uses more descriptive language for the smallness aspect.

while its footprint is small

Highlights the area occupied or impact made, a figurative variation.

although its capacity is limited

Shifts focus to capacity rather than size, suggesting constraints.

FAQs

How can I use "notwithstanding its smallness" in a sentence?

You can use "notwithstanding its smallness" to introduce a contrasting or surprising element. For example, "Notwithstanding its smallness, the device is remarkably powerful".

What are some alternatives to "notwithstanding its smallness"?

You can use alternatives like "despite its small size", "in spite of its limited scale", or "even with its modest proportions" depending on the specific context.

Is "notwithstanding its smallness" considered formal language?

Yes, "notwithstanding its smallness" is generally considered a formal phrase. In less formal contexts, simpler alternatives like "despite its small size" may be more appropriate.

Which is correct, "notwithstanding its smallness" or "in spite of its smallness"?

Both "notwithstanding its smallness" and "in spite of its smallness" are grammatically correct, but "notwithstanding its smallness" carries a more formal tone.