small achievement

USAGE SUMMARY

"small achievement" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe any minor accomplishment, big or small. For example, "My small achievement today was finally learning how to drive a manual transmission!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is no small achievement.

The Economist

This is no small achievement.

The New York Times - Books

That is no small achievement.

The New York Times - Arts

That's no small achievement.

The Guardian - Opinion

That in itself was no small achievement.

The Economist

This rates as no small achievement.

The New York Times - Books

That's no small achievement in a ballet.

The New York Times - Arts

That alone wouldn't be a small achievement.

The New Yorker

And that would be no small achievement.

MIT Technology Review

Pier 116 excels at fried seafood, no small achievement.

The New York Times - Food

This small achievement has recently been lost again.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "small achievement" to acknowledge progress without overstating its impact, especially when setting expectations or managing perceptions.

Common error

Avoid using "small achievement" sarcastically or dismissively, as it can undermine the effort and create a negative impression. Ensure the tone remains appreciative, not condescending.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "small achievement" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It serves to describe an accomplishment that is considered modest in scale or impact. Ludwig AI validates this usage through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Academia

12%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Science

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "small achievement" is a commonly used and grammatically correct noun phrase that describes a modest success. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it functions to acknowledge progress without overstating impact, fitting in a neutral register adaptable to different contexts. The phrase is particularly prevalent in News & Media and Academia, offering a balanced way to recognize incremental gains and contributions. When using "small achievement", be mindful of avoiding sarcasm or dismissal to ensure a positive and appreciative tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

modest accomplishment

Replaces "small" with "modest", indicating humility in the accomplishment.

minor success

Substitutes "achievement" with "success", highlighting the positive outcome.

small victory

Replaces "achievement" with "victory", emphasizing the triumph over a challenge.

limited accomplishment

Replaces "small" with "limited", suggesting the achievement had constraints.

slight accomplishment

Uses "slight" instead of "small", portraying the achievement as subtle.

humble feat

Replaces both "small" and "achievement" with "humble" and "feat", respectively, downplaying the grandeur.

noteworthy effort

Shifts focus from the result to the effort made, implying the endeavor itself was significant.

respectable showing

Highlights the performance rather than the absolute achievement, indicating a commendable display.

creditable performance

Focuses on the quality of the execution, implying competence and skill.

positive step

Emphasizes progress, viewing the achievement as a move in the right direction.

FAQs

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

You can use "small achievement" to describe a modest accomplishment that is still noteworthy, such as: "Completing the project on time, despite the challenges, was a "small achievement" for the team."

What can I say instead of "small achievement"?

You can use alternatives like "modest accomplishment", "minor success", or "positive step" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "small achievement" in a formal setting?

Yes, "small achievement" can be appropriate in formal settings, especially when recognizing incremental progress or the contributions of individuals. However, ensure the tone remains respectful and avoids any hint of condescension.

What's the difference between "small achievement" and "major accomplishment"?

"Small achievement" refers to a modest success or progress, while "major accomplishment" denotes a significant and substantial achievement. The choice between them depends on the scale and impact of the accomplishment you are describing.