small

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "small" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the size or quantity of something. For example: "The small kitten curled up in the corner of the room."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A Labour source said that, given teenagers have a "tremendous vested interest in whether or not we stay in the EU or leave", there could be a strong appetite for amending the EU referendum bill in the Lords, even if Labour and the SNP fail to recruit the relatively small number of Tory rebels they would need to defeat the government in the Commons.

The Guardian

Gina McCarthy, who heads the EPA, said in a press call last week that her agency had found that 80% of small business owners supported the rule, as did a majority of those individuals and organizations who submitted public comments in the run-up to the rule's introduction.

The Guardian

It is difficult to have a voice when you're a small organisation like us so this does help us be seen and heard a little bit," he said.

The Guardian

Pop mogul Cowell will be absent from the judging lineup when the X Factor returns to the small screen for its 10th year on Saturday night.

The Guardian

Amid criticisms that £10m to £20m was relatively small figure on which to make such a major policy announcement – the NHS budget is more than £100bn a year – the health secretary disputed the No 10 claim.

The Guardian

If that is true of the big party dinosaurs, it is also true of their small cousins.

The Guardian

He developed the skill to climb difficult walls without ropes, relying on a small chute on his back in case he fell.

The Guardian

The deal will safeguard jobs at BAE factories in Lancashire and Yorkshire, and small companies throughout the UK that support production of the aircraft, he added.

The Guardian

James Leaton, at the Carbon Tracker Initiative, which produced the first list of 200, said concerned investors could focus on an increasingly small number of companies.

The Guardian

He left Krumau for another small town, Neulengbach, where he used local children as studies for his drawings.

The Guardian - Arts

The Ladies' Market at Mong Kok (it means 'Busy Corner', and never was a name more apt) is small, but full of goodies.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing something's size, consider the context and use "small" in conjunction with more descriptive adjectives to provide a clearer picture (e.g., a "small but cozy" room).

Common error

Avoid using "small" as a standalone descriptor when more specific adjectives (e.g., "tiny", "compact", "petite") would provide a more nuanced and informative description. For example, instead of a "small house", consider a "compact cottage" or a "petite apartment".

Linguistic Context

The word "small" functions primarily as an adjective, modifying nouns to indicate size, quantity, or degree. Ludwig AI confirms this usage, presenting numerous examples of "small" used to describe various entities, from "small businesses" to "small towns".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Travel

15%

Lifestyle

10%

Less common in

Arts

8%

Books

7%

Tech

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "small" is a versatile and frequently used adjective in the English language. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts, particularly in news, travel, and lifestyle content. While a simple word, it is a highly effective means of conveying information about size, quantity, and degree. When using "small", consider the context to ensure it provides sufficient detail, or complement it with more descriptive adjectives for greater clarity. Ludwig's examples showcase its wide range of applications and its role in effectively communicating scale.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tiny

Emphasizes a significantly reduced size compared to "small".

little

Indicates a lesser degree in size, amount, or importance, similar to "small".

minute

Suggests extreme smallness, focusing on precision and detail.

diminutive

Highlights an exceptionally reduced size, often implying endearment or insignificance.

compact

Focuses on the efficient use of space within a limited area.

undersized

Implies that something is smaller than the standard or expected size.

modest

Suggests a limited quantity or degree, often used to downplay something.

petite

Typically used to describe something delicately small, often in reference to people or objects.

wee

A colloquial term for "small", emphasizing its cuteness or insignificance.

pocket-sized

Highlights the ability to easily fit something into a pocket, emphasizing portability.

FAQs

How can I use "small" in a sentence?

You can use "small" to describe the size of objects, the quantity of things, or even the scope of an event. For example, "a "small town"", "a "small amount" of sugar", or "a "small business"".

What words are similar to "small"?

Several words are similar to "small", including "tiny", "little", "minute", and "compact". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "small" or "little"?

Both "small" and "little" are correct, but they have slightly different connotations. "Small" is more objective and refers directly to size. "Little" can sometimes imply affection or insignificance in addition to size.

What's the difference between "small" and "narrow"?

"Small" generally refers to overall size or quantity, while "narrow" specifically describes something with a limited width. You might have a "small room" or a "narrow passage".