small child

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "small child" is correct and can be used in written English.
It can be used to refer to a young and physically small child. For example: "The small child looked up at me with wide eyes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

And a small child.

The New Yorker

I had a small child.

The New York Times

By a small child.

The Guardian

There was at least one small child.

The New Yorker

"Who's that?" asked a small child.

The Economist

Even a small child can smell overcompensation.

The New York Times

The small child was soon overwhelmed.

The New York Times

So does a small child.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Small children are wailing.

The Economist

Small children erected sand castles.

The New York Times

"Small children empathized with him.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about sensitive topics involving children, ensure your language is respectful and avoids any form of exploitation. Use the phrase "small child" to accurately depict a child's size and age when relevant to the context.

Common error

Avoid using "small child" when the specific age range matters more than the size. Instead of saying "the small child", specify "the two-year-old" if the context requires precision regarding the child's developmental stage.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "small child" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as a subject or object within a sentence. It identifies a specific individual characterized by their young age and diminutive size. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating this function.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Science

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "small child" is a common and grammatically correct way to refer to a young, physically diminutive person. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples of its use across diverse contexts. Predominantly found in news and media, as well as academic writing, the phrase serves to offer a descriptive detail, often evoking empathy or highlighting vulnerability. While alternatives like "young child" or "little one" exist, "small child" emphasizes physical size alongside age. When employing this phrase, be mindful of the specific context, ensuring that it's used respectfully and accurately reflects the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

young child

Focuses on the age aspect, emphasizing youth rather than size.

little one

A more affectionate and informal way to refer to a young child.

little kid

A more casual and colloquial way to refer to a young child.

tiny tot

Emphasizes the small size and youthfulness of the child, often used in a playful manner.

youngster

A general term for a young person, regardless of their specific size.

infant

Specifically refers to a very young child in the earliest stage of development.

toddler

Refers to a child who is learning to walk, typically between one and three years old.

child

General term for a young human being.

preschooler

A child who is of preschool age.

minor

Legal term referring to a person under the age of majority.

FAQs

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

You can use "small child" to describe someone young and physically small. For example, "The "small child" reached for the toy on the shelf."

What is a more affectionate term for "small child"?

Alternatives like "little one" or "tiny tot" are more affectionate ways to refer to a "small child", especially in informal settings.

When is it appropriate to use "small child" instead of just "child"?

Use "small child" when emphasizing the child's size is relevant to the context. If the size isn't important, "child" is generally sufficient.

Is "small child" the same as "young child"?

While similar, "small child" emphasizes physical size, whereas "young child" primarily highlights the age. The best choice depends on the aspect you wish to emphasize.