small kid

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "small kid" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to describe a child who is young or of a small size. Example: The park was filled with children running and playing, but I noticed a small kid sitting alone on a bench with a sad expression on their face.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

He's a small, small kid.

The New Yorker

Small kid, big black-and-white telly.

The Guardian - Sport

"As a small kid, I could be one of the boys, playing sports, fitting in.

The New York Times

"When you go to sign on it's like you are a small kid.

The Guardian

"I was raised as a small kid in the theater," explained Ms. Frackowiak, who just turned 24.

The New York Times

Eagles sometimes swoop down and snatch a small kid or knock an adult off balance enough to make it fall.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

I've got small kids".

Independent

"They're mostly small kids".

The New York Times

"I've got three small kids".

The New York Times

("I'm small, kids are small," she said).

The New York Times

Martyn left behind two small kids with only their mother".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "small kid" to describe a child that is literally small in stature or noticeably younger than others in the context.

Common error

Avoid using "small kid" in formal writing. Opt for more professional terms like "young child" or "minor" for improved tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "small kid" functions as a noun phrase, where "small" modifies the noun "kid". It's used to describe a child, emphasizing their youth or diminutive size. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Wiki

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "small kid" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression for describing a young or physically small child. As Ludwig AI underlines, this phrase is correct and appears frequently in diverse contexts. While acceptable in news and general writing, it's advisable to use more formal alternatives like "young child" in professional or academic settings. The phrase functions descriptively, helping to identify specific children based on their size or age.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

child

A general reference to an individual who has not reached adulthood.

young child

Focuses on the age aspect rather than the size.

little child

Emphasizes the diminutive size of the child.

tiny tot

Highlights the small size and immaturity of the child, often used in a more affectionate context.

youngster

A general term for a young person, applicable in various contexts.

infant

Refers to a very young child, typically before walking age.

minor

A legal term indicating someone under the age of majority.

small fry

An informal term indicating someone young or insignificant.

junior member

Focuses on the child's position within a group or organization.

young one

A more general term for a young individual, not specific to humans.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "small kid"?

You can use alternatives like "young child", "little child", or "youngster" depending on the context.

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

While grammatically correct, "small kid" is generally considered informal. In formal writing, it's better to use terms like "young child" or "minor".

How do I use "small kid" in a sentence?

You can use "small kid" to describe the physical size or age of a child, for example: "The park was filled with children, but I noticed a "small kid" sitting alone on a bench."

What is the difference between "small kid" and "child"?

"Child" is a general term for a young person. "Small kid" specifies that the child is also physically small or very young.