small compromise

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "small compromise" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a minor concession or adjustment made in a negotiation or agreement. Example: "In order to reach an agreement, we had to make a small compromise on the project deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

They are busy, busy people, who forget that one small compromise often leads to another.

The Guardian

For the administration, accepting Mr. Boehner's voucher program was a small compromise compared with education priorities like maintaining financing for Head Start and Race to the Top.

The New York Times

It's a small compromise to help an independent woman better navigate her world, making it a place where she can begin to feel at home.

The New York Times - Books

"I make no apologies that our prisons should be places of rehabilitation as well as punishment and if this small compromise helps achieve that then it is well worth it".

Independent

Those that are small compromise on performance, by not giving users the ability for immersive experiences.

TechCrunch

You might need to refresh Twitter before seeing new tweets, but it's a small compromise for long days.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

The university has preached for years that small compromises lead down a slippery slope to bigger ones.

The New York Times

Instead of finding small compromises in the middle, it marries big ideas on the left and right.

The New York Times

Small compromises lead to big disasters: Ignatz, anxious to advance his career, changes the family name from Sonnenschein to the more Hungarian-sounding Sors.

The New York Times

The real triumph is the vast expanse of Alice's life in which nothing very dramatic happens, just a series of small compromises by which she accommodates her principles to their opposites.

The Guardian - Books

This lapse sets in motion a sequence of other small compromises and evasions that continue to ramify 25 years later, when young Bell has grown up into a budding corporate bigwig with political ambitions.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "small compromise" when you want to indicate that the agreement or concession made was of little significance or impact, emphasizing the limited scope of the adjustment.

Common error

Avoid using "small compromise" when the concession or agreement actually has a significant impact or far-reaching consequences. Ensure that the adjective accurately reflects the magnitude of the compromise to maintain clarity and avoid misleading the audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "small compromise" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where "small" modifies the noun "compromise". It indicates a concession or agreement that is of a minor or limited nature. Ludwig AI confirms the validity and usability of the phrase in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "small compromise" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a minor concession or adjustment made to reach an agreement. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's suitable for various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While it's essential to ensure the "small" accurately reflects the compromise's impact, this phrase offers a concise way to communicate that an agreement was reached with limited adjustments. Consider alternative phrases like "minor concession" or "slight adjustment" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

minor concession

Focuses on the act of conceding a point, emphasizing its minor nature.

slight adjustment

Highlights a minor alteration or modification to accommodate different viewpoints.

modest tradeoff

Emphasizes the exchange involved, where something small is given up in return.

petty agreement

Underlines the insignificance of the agreed-upon terms.

minimal concession

Stresses the limited extent of the yielding or surrendering of a point.

little adjustment

Highlights the limited extent of the adjustment made.

tiny concession

Emphasizes the extremely small nature of the concession.

minor adjustment

Focuses on the change made and its relatively small impact.

insignificant compromise

Highlights the triviality and unimportance of the compromise reached.

slight concession

Underlines the minimal nature of the concession given.

FAQs

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

You can use "small compromise" to describe a minor concession made to reach an agreement, such as, "They reached an agreement after making a "small compromise" on the budget."

What can I say instead of "small compromise"?

You can use alternatives like "minor concession", "slight adjustment", or "modest tradeoff" depending on the context.

Is it always okay to make a "small compromise"?

While a "small compromise" can facilitate agreements, it's essential to ensure the concession doesn't undermine core principles or values. Evaluate the potential consequences before agreeing to any compromise, regardless of its size.

What is the difference between "small compromise" and "major compromise"?

A "small compromise" indicates a minor adjustment or concession, while a "major compromise" involves significant changes and concessions from all parties involved. The scale of the compromise reflects the extent of the adjustments made.