small kindness

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "small kindness" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to minor acts of kindness or generosity that can have a positive impact on someone's day or well-being. Example: "A small kindness, like holding the door open for someone, can brighten their day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

A small kindness can mean everything.

The New York Times

The fact is, there really is no such thing as a small kindness.

The Guardian

The free app challenges users to do a different good deed each day, mostly a small kindness, like "Make someone laugh today," or "Thank a teacher today".

The New York Times

Without being asked, they moved their belongings to give us seats, a small kindness that goes a long way on a day like this.

The New York Times - Health

Still in the shadow of that morning four months ago, he chose now to look at the small kindness that had washed toward him.

The New York Times

One character holds "every small kindness she performed for her mother against her"; another balks at reconciling with his estranged wife, considering it "an admission of failure,... of being old and used up".

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

Large or small, kindnesses of all kinds are welcome.

Huffington Post

No? Thank God for small kindnesses.

The New York Times

"I like small kindnesses," she says.

The New York Times - Books

Small kindnesses like this speak volumes.

The Guardian - Opinion

In several essays, Lipman meditates on the large and small kindnesses that have shaped her outlook.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing an action, specify who performed the "small kindness" and whom it benefitted to give the sentence more impact. For example, instead of saying "A small kindness can mean everything", try "Her small kindness of offering a ride meant everything to me."

Common error

Avoid hyperbole when describing a "small kindness". While these acts are valuable, exaggerating their impact can diminish the sincerity of the statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "small kindness" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "small" modifies the noun "kindness". It typically serves as the subject or object of a sentence, denoting a minor act of compassion or generosity, as evidenced by examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "small kindness" is a grammatically sound and usable expression that describes minor acts of compassion or generosity. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and well-regarded in the English language. While it appears uncommon relative to other phrases, "small kindness" finds frequent use in news and media sources, emphasizing the positive influence of seemingly insignificant actions. When using the phrase, remember to consider the context to avoid overstating its significance. Exploring alternatives like "little kindness" or "modest act of compassion" can also enrich your writing. In essence, "small kindness" underscores the value and widespread benefit of simple acts of goodwill.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

little kindness

Uses 'little' instead of 'small' to describe the kindness, maintaining the same meaning.

modest act of compassion

Replaces "kindness" with "compassion" and "small" with "modest", emphasizing empathy.

minor act of generosity

Substitutes "kindness" with "generosity", focusing on the act of giving or sharing.

small gesture of goodwill

Rephrases "kindness" as "goodwill", highlighting the positive intention behind the act.

trivial act of grace

Replaces "kindness" with "grace" and "small" with "trivial", which suggests elegance or courteous goodwill.

insignificant act of charity

Uses "charity" instead of "kindness", focusing on helping those in need.

small token of consideration

Replaces "kindness" with "consideration", highlighting thoughtfulness.

slight act of decency

Substitutes "kindness" with "decency", emphasizing moral correctness.

low-key expression of benevolence

Replaces "kindness" with "benevolence" and "small" with "low-key", denoting understated generosity.

minimal display of empathy

Replaces "kindness" with "empathy", focusing on understanding and sharing the feelings of another.

FAQs

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

You can use "small kindness" to describe a minor act of generosity or compassion. For example, "A "small kindness", like offering a seat on the bus, can brighten someone's day."

What can I say instead of "small kindness"?

You can use alternatives like "little kindness", "modest act of compassion", or "minor act of generosity depending on the context."

What's the difference between "small kindness" and "grand gesture"?

"Small kindness" refers to a minor act of goodwill, while "grand gesture" implies a more significant or elaborate action. One is subtle, the other is showy.

Is "small act of kindness" the same as "random act of kindness"?

While both phrases involve acts of goodwill, "small act of kindness" is a general term. "Random act of kindness" specifically refers to unplanned, spontaneous acts performed without expecting anything in return.