small but influential

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "small but influential" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that may not be large in size or quantity but has a significant impact or effect. Example: "The small but influential organization has managed to change policies at the national level despite its limited resources."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The small but influential Armenian-Mexican complainedcomplained.

The New York Times

Educational policies angered the small but influential Christian community.

Encyclopedia Britannica

For decades this small but influential investment bank has pulled the strings of Italian capitalism.

The Economist

Russia's liberals, a small but influential slice of the population, have faced lacerating truths this month.

The New York Times

(He still has his small but influential men's line in Antwerp, Belgium, where he lives).

The New York Times

Truman, however, had powerful aid from allied governments & from the UN & from small, but influential minorities.

The New Yorker

That's a sentiment shared by a small but influential crowd of techno-thinkers.

MIT Technology Review

She happens to work in Washington, part of a small but influential outfit.

The New York Times

Fighting to give the Ambassador a second life is the small but influential Los Angeles Conservancy.

The New York Times

A small but influential crowd dislikes his anti-democratic tendencies and post-imperial habit of meddling with his neighbours.

The Economist

The Japanese Communist Party (JCP), small but influential for its size, has remained on the fringe of the opposition.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "small but influential" when you want to emphasize that something's impact exceeds its apparent size or scope. It adds a layer of intrigue, suggesting hidden strength or importance.

Common error

Avoid using "small but influential" excessively in highly formal or academic writing. While correct, it can sometimes sound less sophisticated than alternatives like "modest yet powerful" or using more specific language about the nature of the influence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "small but influential" primarily functions as a pre-modifying adjective phrase. It describes a noun by highlighting its size and contrasting it with its impact. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in numerous contexts, as demonstrated in the examples provided.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Encyclopedias

23%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Academia

7%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "small but influential" is a grammatically correct and frequently used adjective phrase. It serves to underscore the unexpected significance of something that appears limited in scale. As Ludwig AI indicates, it commonly appears in news, encyclopedias, and scientific contexts, maintaining a neutral tone and emphasizing the noteworthy impact. Remember to use this phrase when you want to highlight hidden strength or potential, but consider alternative phrasing in highly formal contexts to better suit the specific tone and audience. The phrase effectively communicates that the impact or influence is disproportionate to the apparent size or scale.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

modest yet powerful

Emphasizes the contrast between unassuming appearance and substantial strength.

minor but significant

Focuses on the importance despite the small scale.

limited but critical

Highlights the essential nature despite restrictions in quantity or extent.

compact yet effective

Underscores efficiency and impact from a small package.

diminutive but important

Stresses the value and relevance despite the reduced size.

small but potent

Highlights the latent strength within a small entity.

inconspicuous yet commanding

Focuses on hidden influence that is not immediately apparent.

tiny but mighty

A more figurative and emphatic way of expressing impactful smallness.

understated but effective

Highlights that the influence isn't flashy, but it is present.

discrete yet impactful

The action occurs behind the scenes, but with results.

FAQs

How can I use "small but influential" in a sentence?

You can use "small but influential" to describe a group, organization, or even an idea that doesn't seem significant at first but has a major impact. For example, "The "small but influential group of activists" managed to change policies at the national level."

What's a more formal alternative to "small but influential"?

In more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "modest yet powerful", "minor but significant", or "limited yet critical". These alternatives convey a similar meaning but may sound more sophisticated.

Is it ever incorrect to use "small but influential"?

No, the phrase "small but influential" is grammatically correct. However, consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing. In some cases, a more specific or descriptive phrase might be more effective.

What is the difference between "small but influential" and "large and influential"?

"Small but influential" suggests a disproportionate impact relative to size, while "large and influential" simply indicates significant impact from something already substantial. They convey very different scales and dynamics.