small groove

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "small groove" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a narrow indentation or channel in a surface, often in contexts related to music, woodworking, or physical features. Example: "The record had a small groove that affected the sound quality during playback."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

To demonstrate, he leapt gracefully onto the rock face and clung there like a mantis, his left leg extended, his left toe lodged in a small groove, and his fingers gripping a small overhang.

The New York Times

This spectral sensitivity to the groove width, especially apparent for small groove widths, is a clear indication that the MIM aGSP mode (which is related to the local width of the groove) is probed in the crevice rather than (global) groove GSP modes, whose peak positions should not depend on the electron position in the groove.

Nature

Once everything is all folded up, you plop the magnet into a small groove on Cardboard's exterior.

TechCrunch

That hook fits into a small groove on the back of the humerus, the upper arm bone.

BBC

The chemical compounds formed the stable complexes with DNA: HL1 when binding with a great groove and at intercalation into a small groove, while HL2 only when bound with a small groove.

Nanoscale Research Letters

It is shown that HL2 forms the stable complexes with DNA only when bound with a small groove (Fig. 5a).

Nanoscale Research Letters

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

It is noticeable that THF/DMF resulted in single grooved fibers when the solvent ratio was 3 1, fibers with many small grooves distributed along the axis of fibers were obtained when the ratio was 2 1, and a solvent ratio of 1 1 led to typical multi-grooved texture, while a solvent ratio less than 1 1 tended to form smooth fibers.

Nanoscale Research Letters

In both cases the CFRP plates were embedded into small grooves at the beams tensile zone.

Composite Structures

For something lighter and easier to move around, he liked a wooden stool with a series of small grooves running around its base.

The New York Times

The tribological behavior of carbon epoxy composites whose surfaces have many small grooves were compared with respect to the coating method under dry sliding and water lubricating conditions.

Composite Structures

The tribological behavior of carbon epoxy composites whose surfaces have many small grooves of 100 μm width was experimentally investigated with respect to the sliding direction against groove orientation, surface pressure (P) and velocity (V).

Composite Structures

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing physical objects or structures, use "small groove" to precisely indicate a narrow indentation. This is especially useful in technical or scientific contexts, like describing a component's design.

Common error

Avoid using "small groove" metaphorically when describing abstract ideas or emotional states. The phrase is best suited for literal descriptions of physical indentations; consider using more appropriate figures of speech for intangible concepts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "small groove" functions primarily as a noun phrase acting as a compound noun. It combines the adjective "small" to modify the noun "groove". Ludwig examples show it describing physical characteristics.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

55%

News & Media

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "small groove" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a narrow indentation, predominantly used in scientific, technical, and instructional contexts. Ludwig AI analysis shows that it precisely denotes physical characteristics, often in describing the design or structure of objects. While the phrase is versatile, it is best suited for literal descriptions, and alternatives such as "narrow channel" or "slight indentation" can provide nuanced alternatives. The phrase appears frequently in science and news sources. Remember to reserve "small groove" for literal descriptions to maintain clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

narrow channel

Focuses on the shape and function, emphasizing the narrowness of the channel.

slight indentation

Highlights the shallowness and subtlety of the groove.

tiny furrow

Emphasizes the small size and implies a linear depression.

shallow cut

Describes the groove as a cut with minimal depth.

fine line

Illustrates a very thin and delicate groove.

minor depression

Highlights the concavity and lack of depth.

delicate score

Suggests the groove is created by scoring or scratching.

minute crevice

Implies a very small and narrow opening or fissure.

thin slot

Highlights the elongated shape and narrow width.

superficial scratch

Emphasizes the shallow and surface-level nature of the groove.

FAQs

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

You can use "small groove" to describe physical indentations, such as "The screw fits perfectly into the "small groove" on the device" or "The artist created a "small groove" to guide the chisel."

What are some alternatives to "small groove"?

Alternatives include "narrow channel", "slight indentation", or "tiny furrow", depending on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "a groove that is small" instead of "small groove"?

Yes, both are grammatically correct, but "small groove" is more concise and commonly used. "A groove that is small" is more descriptive, but less idiomatic.

What is the difference between "small groove" and "minor groove"?

"Small groove" generally refers to a physical indentation that is small in size. "Minor groove" is specifically used in the context of DNA structure, referring to one of the two grooves winding along the DNA helix.