small caveat

USAGE SUMMARY

"small caveat" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to introduce or emphasize a small detail that needs to be taken into consideration or that limits the extent of a statement. For example, "This new software will be a great project management solution, with one small caveat: it doesn't offer customization features."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

Small caveat?

The Guardian - Music

There's a small caveat.

The Guardian - Film

A small caveat: pork, of course, is off limits.

The New York Times - Food

He tells me his classic recipe below is foolproof, but there's a small caveat.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Except for the small caveat that it isn't true: the emergency is far from over.

The Guardian - Opinion

Jabeur said she's also trying to spread that message — with a small caveat.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

And subject to some small caveats, you can simply analyze those and figure it out.

The Guardian

Last week the Competition Commission cleared the Lloyds selloff of its TSB brand and 631 branches with only a few small caveats.

The Guardian - Business

These are small caveats, for Fuller is an accomplished and serious writer who has the ability to implant interesting psychological dimensions into plotty, pacy narratives.

The Guardian - Books

It's a cool idea and it works, with some small caveats, so order with confidence.

TechCrunch

Profits made abroad and not remitted are not subject (with a couple of small caveats) to the US corporate income tax.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "small caveat" to introduce a minor qualification or condition that doesn't undermine the main point but is important to acknowledge for accuracy and completeness.

Common error

Avoid using "small caveat" when the limitation or condition is actually significant or undermines the primary assertion. Ensure the term appropriately reflects the scope of the qualification.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "small caveat" functions as an introductory element to a statement, typically used to present a minor qualification or exception. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its role in adding nuance without undermining the primary assertion.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "small caveat" is a common and grammatically sound way to introduce a minor qualification or condition, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It's frequently used in news, media, and scientific writing to provide a balanced perspective. While versatile, ensure the "small caveat" appropriately reflects the significance of the qualification to avoid misrepresentation. Alternatives like "minor limitation" or "slight reservation" can be used for semantic variation. Using the phrase correctly enhances clarity and accuracy in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

minor limitation

Replaces "caveat" with "limitation", emphasizing a restriction or constraint that is not major.

slight reservation

Uses "reservation" instead of "caveat", suggesting a mild doubt or concern.

small exception

Replaces "caveat" with "exception", highlighting a case where the general rule does not apply.

minor condition

Emphasizes that a specific requirement or term needs to be met, but it is not significant.

slight qualification

Indicates a modification or limitation to a statement, emphasizing that it's not a major alteration.

small proviso

Synonymous with "caveat" but may sound slightly more formal or legalistic.

minor adjustment

Suggests that only a slight change or correction is needed.

tiny detail

Highlights a very small and specific aspect that needs attention.

slight drawback

Indicates a minor disadvantage or negative aspect.

minor hitch

Suggests a small, temporary problem or obstacle.

FAQs

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

You can use "small caveat" to introduce a minor condition or qualification. For example, "The project will be completed on time, with the "small caveat" that all resources are available".

What's a good alternative to "small caveat"?

Alternatives to "small caveat" include "minor limitation", "slight reservation", or "small exception", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "small caveat" in formal writing?

Yes, "small caveat" is suitable for formal writing, particularly when you need to introduce a minor qualification or condition. However, ensure the tone remains professional and clear.

What's the difference between "small caveat" and "major caveat"?

"Small caveat" indicates a minor qualification or condition, while "major caveat" implies a significant limitation that could substantially affect the overall outcome or understanding.