small gains

USAGE SUMMARY

"small gains" is correct and can be used in written English.
It usually refers to making incremental progress towards a larger goal. For example: "Although the new business strategy we implemented didn't bring us the dramatic results we were hoping for, we are still making small gains."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

European markets eked out small gains.

The New York Times

Only Deitchler did not make small gains.

The New York Times - Sports

King and Remedi saw small gains.

The Washington Post

"In fact, small gains are all you will ever see.

The New Yorker

They are small gains from a very low base.

The Guardian

In Paris, most sec tions showed small gains.

The New York Times

The indexes spent the morning showing small gains and losses.

The New York Times

Some countries saw small gains from the temperature increases, however.

The New York Times - Science

There are typically small gains in October as well.

The New York Times

There are small gains, and similarly small costs.

The Economist

Each index eked out small gains for the week.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "small gains", contextualize the phrase by specifying the area or metric where the gains are observed. For instance, "small gains in test scores" or "small gains in market share".

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the significance of "small gains". Be realistic about the actual impact and avoid implying that these gains are transformative or substantial if they are not.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "small gains" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "small" modifies the noun "gains". Ludwig AI confirms this phrase is grammatically correct and common in usage. It describes incremental improvements or progress.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "small gains" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, denoting incremental improvements or minor positive developments. As validated by Ludwig AI, it finds common application across news, science, and business contexts. When using "small gains", it's advisable to provide specific details about the area or metric of improvement to give the phrase more weight. Remember not to overstate its significance. Alternative phrases such as ""modest gains"" or "marginal improvements" can be considered for variety and/or nuanced emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

modest gains

Emphasizes the limited or moderate nature of the gains.

marginal improvements

Highlights the slight or barely perceptible nature of the improvements.

minor advancements

Focuses on the small scale and degree of the advancements achieved.

slight progress

Indicates a small degree of forward movement or development.

limited progress

Stresses the restricted or constrained nature of the progress made.

incremental steps

Highlights the stepwise and gradual nature of the advancement.

tiny steps forward

Underlines the diminutive scale of the advancements.

gradual increase

Focuses on the slow and steady nature of the increase.

slight upticks

Refers to small upward movements or increases.

minor upturns

Describes small positive changes or reversals in a trend.

FAQs

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

You can use "small gains" to describe incremental progress, such as "The company reported "modest gains" in revenue this quarter" or "The student showed "slight progress" after tutoring."

What are some alternatives to saying "small gains"?

You can use alternatives like "incremental improvements", "modest advancements", or "marginal progress" depending on the context.

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

Yes, "small gains" is appropriate for formal writing. It is a neutral and clear way to describe minor improvements or progress. However, consider using more precise language if the context requires it.

What's the difference between "small gains" and "significant gains"?

"Small gains" refer to minor or incremental improvements, while "significant gains" indicate substantial or noteworthy progress. The choice depends on the magnitude of the improvement you're describing.