on a tiny scale

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on a tiny scale" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is small in size, scope, or impact, often in comparison to something larger. Example: "The experiment was conducted on a tiny scale to test the initial hypothesis before scaling up."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

Meanwhile, a handful of utilities around the country are already doing similar things voluntarily, albeit on a tiny scale.

The New York Times

[C6.] Nanotechnology's Health Benefits Researchers say nanotechnology, which involves manipulating materials on a tiny scale, could vastly improve health care.

The New York Times

On a tiny scale, the air becomes thicker like syrup and inertia begins to play a much smaller role.

MIT Technology Review

It must take a deft delicacy at operating on a tiny scale, like fitting a whole model railway layout into an attaché case.

The Guardian - Books

That same immediacy could come out on a tiny scale, as in the 12 drawings, dated 1923-24, of a young Viennese called Lotte Mandl.

The New York Times - Arts

Even on a tiny scale, the picture does convey the horror of crisscross warfare.Mario Barri, as a burly, grinning nationalist, steals the show.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

Catherine Carr, a neuroscientist at the University of Maryland, College Park, agrees that the study is "very exciting"—particularly because the katydids have overcome the problem of impedance matching "on such a tiny scale".

Science Magazine

"You can't do investment banking on such a tiny scale," said Colin Devine, an insurance analyst at Salomon Smith Barney.

The New York Times

Over-the-Rhine, where officer Steve Roach shot 19-year-old Timothy Thomas and provoked this Easter recess free-for-all, stretched from the university to downtown, a couple of miles of tenements with doors and windows on a strangely tiny scale.

The New York Times

Because the behavior of things on a very tiny scale is simply different.

The New York Times

So one of the outcomes of the early investigations into how general relativity and quantum mechanics might talk to each other is the notion of quantum foam, which is at the fabric of space on a very tiny scale and is very different from the realms that we inhabit up here in the macro world.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "on a tiny scale" to emphasize the contrast between something small and a larger, more significant counterpart. This can add depth and clarity to your writing.

Common error

While "on a tiny scale" is generally acceptable, consider using more formal alternatives like "in a limited capacity" or "to a negligible extent" in academic or professional writing to maintain a more serious tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on a tiny scale" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to specify the extent or scope of an action or situation. Ludwig's examples show it describing the size, scope or impact of something in comparison to something larger.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Academia

15%

Science & Research

15%

Less common in

Books

6%

Encyclopedias

3%

Lifestyle

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "on a tiny scale" is a grammatically sound and commonly used adverbial phrase that is found in a wide range of contexts. As Ludwig AI suggests, it’s suitable for describing something happening in a limited way or with minimal impact. The phrase sees the most frequent use in News & Media, Scientific, and Academic domains. While acceptable in formal writing, more precise alternatives may be preferable. Alternatives such as "on a small scale" or "in a limited capacity" can be considered based on the desired level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on a small scale

Focuses on the limited size or scope.

on a reduced scale

Highlights that the scale is less than what it was.

in a limited capacity

Highlights the restricted ability to do something.

to a limited extent

Focuses on the boundary of action or process.

in miniature

Emphasizes a reduced or diminutive form.

in a minor way

Implies a slight or unimportant impact.

in microcosm

Suggests a small representation of a larger system.

on a manageable scale

Emphasizes the ease of control and handling.

on a negligible level

Indicates the unimportance or insignificance of the scale.

in a confined space

Points out spatial restrictions of the subject.

FAQs

How can I use "on a tiny scale" in a sentence?

You can use "on a tiny scale" to describe something that is small in scope or impact, such as "The project was initially tested on a tiny scale before being rolled out nationwide".

What are some alternatives to "on a tiny scale"?

Alternatives include "on a small scale", "in a limited capacity", or "in miniature" depending on the context.

Is "on a tiny scale" appropriate for formal writing?

While generally acceptable, consider more formal alternatives like "to a limited extent" or "on a negligible level" in academic or professional contexts.

What is the difference between "on a tiny scale" and "on a small scale"?

"On a tiny scale" emphasizes extreme smallness or insignificance, while "on a small scale" simply indicates a limited size or scope. The former is more emphatic.