small defects

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "small defects" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to minor flaws or imperfections in an object or process. For example, "The product was rejected due to small defects in the finish." Alternative expressions include "minor flaws" and "slight imperfections."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Look for small defects.

The New York Times - Travel

This book has other small defects.

The New York Times - Books

We present real-time optical preprocessor intended to enhance small defects in a smooth surface.

Stanford University

"These are not small defects that you could have wicking of the liquids," Mr. Mann said.

The New York Times

Without such knowledge, small defects may be incorrectly imaged or go undetected altogether.

Ultrasonics

They are usually indicated in the repair of small defects of the nose, and scalp.

British Journal of Plastic Surgery

It can be significantly decreased by small defects, such as scratches, inclusions, pores, and surface roughness.

Computational Materials Science

Finally, Electron BackScattered Diffraction (EBSD) maps are collected for specimens with large grains and small defects.

International Journal of Fatigue

Small defects in the tongue base (less than one third) can often be closed primarily or allowed to heal by secondary intention.

Nature

The accuracy and speed achieved by researchers is suitable for field deployment on simple bridges, although small defects are undetected in the presence of noise.

Nature

This gate is surrounded by an insulating material, which needs to be relatively thick so that small defects in it don't allow the charge to leak out.

MIT Technology Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing issues in a formal report, use "small defects" to downplay the severity of the problem while still acknowledging its existence.

Common error

Avoid using "small defects" when the issue is actually significant or impacts functionality. Choose a more accurate term like "critical flaw" or "major malfunction" if the defect has serious consequences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "small defects" functions as a noun phrase, where "small" modifies the noun "defects". Ludwig AI, based on the provided examples, confirms its use in describing minor imperfections or flaws in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

56%

News & Media

36%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Social Media

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "small defects" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe minor imperfections. Ludwig AI confirms its prevalence across various fields, particularly science and news. While the phrase is generally neutral, it's crucial to assess the actual impact of the defects to avoid understatement. Alternatives like "minor flaws" or "slight imperfections" can be used for variety. When writing, remember to choose the term that most accurately reflects the significance of the issue at hand.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

minor flaws

Focuses on the aspect of being a flaw, emphasizing the insignificance of the problem.

slight imperfections

Emphasizes the lack of perfection and the minimal nature of the deviation.

tiny blemishes

Highlights the visual aspect of the defect, suggesting a surface-level issue.

minor irregularities

Suggests a deviation from a standard or expected form, keeping the flaw minimal.

insignificant faults

Underscores the unimportance of the fault, minimizing its impact.

superficial imperfections

Highlights that the imperfection is on the surface and not deep or structural.

negligible deficiencies

Emphasizes that the deficiencies are so small they can be ignored.

trivial errors

Focuses on the errors themselves as being small and unimportant.

minute flaws

Emphasizes the extremely small size of the flaws.

petty shortcomings

Highlights the trivial nature of the shortcomings or deficiencies.

FAQs

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

You can use "small defects" to describe minor imperfections in various contexts. For example, "The product was rejected due to "small defects" in the finish" or "Despite the "small defects", the overall performance was satisfactory."

What are some alternatives to "small defects"?

Alternatives include "minor flaws", "slight imperfections", or "tiny blemishes", depending on the specific context. Each alternative emphasizes a slightly different aspect of the imperfection.

When is it appropriate to use the term "small defects"?

It's appropriate to use "small defects" when describing imperfections that are minor and do not significantly impact the functionality or overall quality. If the defects are more serious, consider using terms like "major flaws" or "critical issues".

Is "small defects" a formal or informal term?

"Small defects" is generally considered a neutral term suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, the specific context and audience should always be considered when choosing the most appropriate language.