remarkably small

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "remarkably small" is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase can be used to describe someone or something that is smaller than expected. For example: "When scientists examined the fossil, they were surprised to find that it was remarkably small."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

It is also remarkably small.

The Economist

Given the enormous devastation, this was a remarkably small number.

The Guardian

Mr. Decarnin works with a remarkably small formula.

The New York Times

Still, the amount, typical of the tainted letters, was remarkably small -- just 0.871 grams.

The New York Times

"The chance of Picard identifying real assets are remarkably small," said Weisberg.

The Guardian - Business

But he added that overall the IPCC report had a "remarkably small number of problems".

The Guardian

Our backyard, which filled a whole football field of my childhood, is remarkably small.

The New York Times

The remarkably small oeuvre of the artist has thus only increased in popularity across generations.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Every morning I paint the sea, and I am always reminded of how remarkably small I am.

The Guardian - Arts

It's high drama for remarkably small stakes, and the people who watch will hear no criticism of it.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

In fact, Hoppers in the flesh add remarkably small increments of pleasure and meaning to Hoppers in reproduction.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "remarkably small" to emphasize a surprising or unexpected lack of size, often in contrast to expectations. This adds emphasis and can create a sense of wonder or irony.

Common error

Avoid using "remarkably small" to describe things that are generally known to be small. Reserve it for situations where the smallness is genuinely surprising or significant, like a "remarkably small" amount of damage after a major disaster.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "remarkably small" primarily functions as an adjectival modifier, intensifying the adjective "small" and adding an element of surprise or unexpectedness. As Ludwig AI suggests, the phrase is used to describe something that is smaller than anticipated.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "remarkably small" is a versatile and frequently used phrase that serves to emphasize the unexpected or surprising nature of something's small size. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely accepted. Its register is generally neutral, making it suitable for a variety of contexts, as shown by the variety of example from Ludwig itself, ranging from news articles to scientific publications. When writing, remember to reserve "remarkably small" for situations where the smallness is genuinely noteworthy, enhancing the impact of your description. Consider alternatives like "surprisingly little" or "unexpectedly small" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

surprisingly little

Emphasizes the unexpected aspect of the small size.

unexpectedly small

Highlights that the size was not anticipated.

notably small

Stresses that the small size is worth paying attention to.

strikingly small

Indicates that the small size is particularly noticeable.

exceptionally small

Indicates that the subject is outside the norm.

unusually small

Emphasizes the deviation from the norm in terms of size.

noticeably tiny

Combines the ideas of being small and easily seen.

remarkably compact

Highlights the efficient use of space despite the small size.

incredibly petite

Suggests a dainty or delicate smallness.

distinctly miniature

Conveys that something is noticeably made in small scale.

FAQs

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

You can use "remarkably small" to describe something that is surprisingly or notably little. For example, "The town sustained a "remarkably small" amount of damage despite the hurricane."

What are some alternatives to "remarkably small"?

Some alternatives to "remarkably small" include "surprisingly little", "unexpectedly small", or "notably small". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "remarkably small in size"?

While grammatically correct, "remarkably small in size" is somewhat redundant. "Remarkably small" already implies size, so the additional "in size" is usually unnecessary.

What's the difference between "remarkably small" and "very small"?

"Remarkably small" implies a level of surprise or unexpectedness about the size, whereas "very small" simply indicates a high degree of smallness without necessarily suggesting surprise. "Remarkably small" suggests that something is small to an extent that is worth remarking on.