small friendship

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "small friendship" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a friendship that is not very deep or significant, often implying a casual or less intense relationship. Example: "Although we only met a few times, I feel like we have a small friendship that brings me joy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The list also included the hubs and spokes of the world airport system and two small friendship networks formed by a group of Mormons and by junior high school students.

The New York Times - Science

We are currently conducting a small, real world trial of Wallop with small friendship groups.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Intriguingly, while participants who reported higher levels of fitness were able to endure the pain test for longer, the researchers discovered that these participants generally had smaller friendship groups.

The Guardian

Participants with larger kin networks tended to have lower emotional closeness to kin on average, whereas participants with smaller friendship networks tended to have lower emotional closeness to kin.> -wrap-foot> Table shows parameter estimates (and SE) and 95% Confidence Intervals (CI) Notes.

Human Nature

Two fundamental principles are at stake, genuine independence for national state, great and small; genuine friendship between neighbouring states.

The Economist

Small rings, friendship bracelets and charity bands are cool too.

WikiHow

Julie Kwon, who was with her 2-year-old son, Lucas, noted that because so many residents seem to be at the "same stage of life" — married, and with small children — friendships have developed and a sizable proportion of families in the building end up hanging out together.

The New York Times

What really happened is that politics broke out in a state where politicians pride themselves on civility and small-state friendships between players from opposing parties.

The New York Times

Guess small-screen friendships don't always translate into real-life..

Huffington Post

Small gestures of friendship and shared lunches ensue.

The New York Times

A lovely touch, a small gesture of friendship, and to think everyone had been banging on about bad blood caused by the Malvinas conflict.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "small friendship" when you want to emphasize that a friendship is not particularly deep, long-lasting, or significant. It can be useful to differentiate between more profound relationships and casual acquaintances.

Common error

Avoid using "small friendship" when describing a bond that holds deep emotional value or has significantly impacted your life. The adjective "small" can diminish the perceived importance of the relationship.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "small friendship" functions as a noun phrase, where "small" modifies the noun "friendship". It acts to describe a friendship that is limited in scope, depth, or intensity. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "small friendship" is a grammatically sound but relatively uncommon way to describe a relationship that lacks depth or intensity. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. While it appears in various contexts, including news, wikis, and scientific articles, it is not a frequently used expression. When using "small friendship", it's important to consider whether the term accurately reflects the nature of the relationship and to avoid diminishing connections that hold significant value. Alternatives like "casual friendship" or "light friendship" may be more appropriate depending on the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

casual friendship

Focuses on the lack of commitment and depth in the relationship.

light friendship

Emphasizes the easygoing and non-demanding nature of the relationship.

superficial friendship

Highlights the lack of genuine connection and emotional depth.

fleeting friendship

Indicates the short duration or temporary nature of the relationship.

tenuous friendship

Suggests the relationship is fragile and easily broken.

limited friendship

Highlights the restricted scope or intensity of the connection.

minor friendship

Downplays the importance or significance of the relationship.

brief acquaintance

Indicates a short and not very close connection.

passing friendship

Emphasizes the transient nature of the bond.

nodding acquaintance

Highlights a minimal level of interaction and familiarity.

FAQs

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

You might say, "Although we only see each other occasionally, I value our "small friendship" because it's always enjoyable."

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

Consider using alternatives like "casual friendship", "light friendship", or "superficial friendship" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "small friendship" the same as "weak friendship"?

Not exactly. "Small friendship" generally refers to the level of involvement and intimacy, while "weak friendship" suggests a lack of resilience or strength in the face of challenges.

When is it appropriate to describe a friendship as "small"?

It's appropriate when you want to acknowledge a friendly connection that exists without implying a deep emotional bond or significant commitment. It's suitable for describing acquaintanceships or relationships where the level of interaction is limited.