on a small note

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on a small note" is not commonly used in written English and may be considered awkward.
It could be used when introducing a minor point or detail that is not the main focus of the discussion. Example: "On a small note, I wanted to mention that the meeting time has been changed."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

I'm going to walk you through that piece very quickly also and then just end on a small note.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Have your contact information ready to give them on a small note or card.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Write down each new word you learn on the front of a small note card or piece of paper, then write its definition on the back.

WikiHow

A small note on the Sky magazine masthead in 2011 told readers: "£2.20 of your package price is paid by you to BSkyB Publications Ltd for this magazine".

The Guardian

As I rang the bell, I noticed a small note, on McKellen's embossed pink letterhead, stuck inside the knocker: John L Please come to the stage door of the Courtyard Theatre now...

The New Yorker

As I rang the bell, I noticed a small note, on McKellen's embossed pink letterhead, stuck inside the knocker: John L Pleasese come to the stage door of the Courtyard Theatre now..

The New Yorker

A small note on the network's website reveals the channel's longterm commitment to these ratings smashers: "If you have been affected by the issues raised in the first series [of Benefits Street] and would like the opportunity to talk to one of our team about your street and the reality of life on benefits, please email us".

The Guardian - Opinion

Author response: We do agree that prokaryotes present a fascinating area of research that would be well worth a separate paper; we did, at least, include a small note on possible prokaryotic homologs of some of the components in the expanded final discussion.

Biology Direct

Integrate your own style with tradition by including a small note on the favors explaining the tradition.

WikiHow

Leave a small note on the body just in case your parents find out that you did escape, and make sure that you take your cell phone with you so they can call you.

WikiHow

A small note hangs on the wall, written in letters snipped from newspapers.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "on a small note" to gently introduce a secondary detail or shift the focus slightly without disrupting the main flow of your writing or conversation. Make sure that the subsequent information is indeed less critical than the primary subject.

Common error

Avoid using "on a small note" to introduce crucial information or pivotal arguments. This diminishes the importance of the point and can confuse your audience. Instead, reserve this phrase for truly minor or tangential items.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on a small note" functions as an adjunct, specifically a sentence adverbial. It serves to qualify or modify the entire sentence that follows, indicating that what is about to be said is of lesser importance. This is supported by Ludwig, which shows it being used to introduce secondary information.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Academia

33%

Wiki

33%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "on a small note" serves as a transitional phrase to introduce a minor point or detail. While grammatically correct and versatile for various contexts, as also stated by Ludwig AI, it's not exceedingly common. Usage is appropriate across news, academic, and general writing, though less so in highly formal or scientific contexts. To enhance clarity, ensure the subsequent information aligns with the intended purpose and significance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as a side note

Indicates the information is tangential or supplementary to the main topic.

as an aside

Highlights that the following information is separate from the main argument.

as a minor point

Emphasizes the point being introduced is not of major significance, similar to 'on a small note'.

in passing

Suggests the information is mentioned briefly and not dwelled upon.

in parenthesis

Indicates supplemental, explanatory, or illustrative information.

as a footnote

Similar to a side note, but explicitly referencing a secondary point that supports or elaborates on the primary content.

incidentally

Highlights the casual or coincidental nature of the additional information.

by the way

Introduces something not directly related to the main discussion, a more informal option.

on a lighter note

Shifts the tone to be less serious, while introducing a secondary point.

on a different note

Introduces a shift to a new topic, which may or may not be minor.

FAQs

How can I use "on a small note" in a sentence?

You can use "on a small note" to introduce a minor or secondary point. For example, "We've covered the main issues; on a small note, remember to submit your expenses."

What is a synonym for "on a small note"?

Alternatives include "as a side note", "incidentally", or "by the way", depending on the context and level of formality.

When is it appropriate to use "on a small note"?

It's appropriate to use "on a small note" when you want to add information that is less significant or somewhat tangential to the main topic being discussed.

Is "on a small note" formal or informal?

"On a small note" is generally considered neutral in tone. It's suitable for most contexts, but alternatives like "incidentally" might be more appropriate in highly formal settings, while "by the way" is more informal.