small and efficient

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "small and efficient" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that has a compact size while also performing its function effectively. Example: "The new device is small and efficient, making it perfect for travel."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

Most cars on the road were small and efficient, but there were very few hybrids.

The New York Times

Ford II was right — it looks like the future does belong to small and efficient cars.

The New Yorker

Well planned, and with a small and efficient 4.5-litre hybrid engine tucked under the rear stairs, the Mk2 Routemaster has much going for it.

The Guardian

Slapstick catastrophes that have almost convinced the small and efficient Lili that she'd be better off muddling through without a live-in servant.

The New Yorker

The plants are so small and efficient, Mr. Loest said, that office building complexes, and eventually individuals, will be able to disconnect from the main power grid.

The New York Times

Mies's sophisticated presentation masked the fact that the spaces he designed were small and efficient, rather than big and often empty.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

Three new hand dryers powered by one of the world's smallest and efficient brushless motors, the V4 Dyson digital motor.

BBC

The lobby is small, white and efficient, but charmingly decorated with paper lanterns in the shapes of animals (chickens, French poodles, sheep) floating from the ceiling like clouds.

The New York Times - Travel

uORF usually consists of small peptides and efficient re-initiation occurs before the scanning ribosomes have dissociated from the mRNA [14], [22], [28].

Plosone

Microparticles constitute a major part of particulate drug delivery systems due to their small size and efficient carrier capacity.

BioMed Research International

Haberkern writes that the unit is surprisingly small and energy efficient.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing technological designs or innovations, use "small and efficient" to emphasize advancements in miniaturization and energy conservation. This highlights the value of optimizing resources.

Common error

Avoid using "small and efficient" when the context already implies these qualities. For instance, describing a microchip as "small and efficient" can be redundant, as microchips are inherently designed to be both.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "small and efficient" functions primarily as a compound adjective, modifying nouns to describe something that is both diminutive in size and effective in its operation. As Ludwig AI suggests, it denotes something compact performing its function effectively.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

40%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "small and efficient" is a versatile descriptor used to emphasize both the compact size and effective operation of a subject. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, particularly in news, media, and scientific domains. While relatively common, it is important to avoid redundancy by ensuring the context does not already imply these qualities. Alternatives such as "compact and effective" or "streamlined and productive" can offer nuanced ways to convey similar meanings. By understanding its function and avoiding common pitfalls, you can effectively use "small and efficient" to enhance your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

compact and effective

Replaces "small" with "compact" and "efficient" with "effective", focusing on size and result.

streamlined and productive

Uses "streamlined" to suggest efficient design and "productive" to highlight output.

miniature and high-performing

Emphasizes the small size and superior performance capabilities.

resourceful and compact

Highlights the effective use of resources alongside the compact size.

economical and petite

Focuses on economy and smallness.

trim and potent

Suggests a neat and powerful combination.

tight and powerful

Implies a compact form with significant power.

space-saving and effective

Specifically addresses space efficiency and effectiveness.

scaled-down and optimized

Highlights reduction in size and enhancement for best results.

pared-down and capable

Emphasizes simplicity and effectiveness.

FAQs

How can I use "small and efficient" in a sentence?

You can describe devices as "small and efficient" if they have a compact size and perform their functions effectively. For example: "The new device is "small and efficient", making it ideal for travel".

What are some alternatives to "small and efficient"?

Alternatives include "compact and effective", "streamlined and productive", or "miniature and high-performing", each emphasizing different aspects of size and performance.

Is it redundant to describe something that is already known to be small as "small and efficient"?

Yes, it can be redundant. If something's small size is inherently linked to its function or efficiency, avoid explicitly stating it. For example, a microchip is generally understood to be "small and efficient", so stating it may not add value.

When is it best to use "small and efficient" over other similar phrases?

Use "small and efficient" when you want to specifically emphasize both the size and the performance aspects equally. If the focus is more on performance than size, "highly effective" or "optimized for performance" might be more appropriate.