small material

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "small material" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a type of material that is physically small in size or quantity. Example: "The artist used small material to create intricate details in her sculpture."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

Moral: even a princess prefers a valuable gift to something of small material value.

The New Yorker

The lack of a body "prevented us from receiving the small material respite of life insurance," Ms. Perlman said.

The New York Times

With 24 ba! Rf2 25 Kf2 Ba6 26 Ra6 he would have had a small material superiority and the better of the game.

The New York Times

The cast includes three attractive actresses, Ellen Tobie, Gwen O'Mara and Lee Anne Fahey, valiantly striving to deal with a large issue while coping with rather small material.

The New York Times - Arts

He could have tried 21 but, but after 21... Nf5 22 gf5 Rg2 23 Kf4 Rf8, Adams would have been fine despite his small material deficit.

The New York Times

In the last decade, the indentation test has become a useful tool for probing mechanical properties of small material volumes.

International Journal of Solids and Structures

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

Methods of determining small-scale material properties of organisms and the seafloor are outlined.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Admission is free, but a small materials fee will be charged.

The New York Times - Arts

The workshops will supply the small materials; you provide the great ideas.

The New York Times - Arts

"We did find small materials for IEDs, like maybe a small piece of the wire, the detonating cord," said Sergeant Cannon.

The Guardian

For Energy Conversion Devices, a small materials firm in Rochester Hills, Mich., 2003 is a year with a remarkably familiar ring to it.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In contexts where the quantity is as important as size, consider adjectives like "limited" or "scarce" to further clarify the meaning of "small material".

Common error

Avoid using "small material" when a more specific descriptor is possible. Instead of just stating that the material is "small", specify the dimension (e.g., thin film) or the amount (e.g., trace amounts) to add precision to your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "small material" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "small" modifies the noun "material". It commonly denotes a limited quantity or diminutive size of a substance. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a correct expression.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

33%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

3%

Science & Research

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "small material" is a grammatically sound and versatile term that denotes a limited quantity or reduced size of a substance. As Ludwig AI confirms, its proper use is well-supported by a wide range of reliable sources. Predominantly featured in scientific, news, and academic contexts, "small material" serves to set quantitative and qualitative expectations or describe constraints in material-related processes. While "small material" is generally correct, it's advisable to employ more specific descriptors when possible to enhance clarity. Alternatives such as "limited material" or "tiny material" can add precision depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

limited material

Replaces "small" with "limited", emphasizing the restricted quantity of the material.

minor material

Substitutes "small" with "minor", focusing on the material's reduced importance or scale.

tiny material

Replaces "small" with "tiny", highlighting the extremely diminutive size of the material.

reduced material

Uses "reduced" instead of "small", suggesting a decrease or lessening of the material.

scarce material

Emphasizes the limited availability of the material by using "scarce".

negligible material

Highlights the insignificance of the material's quantity or impact by using "negligible".

modest material

Replaces "small" with "modest", suggesting a moderate or limited amount of material.

restricted material

Focuses on the constraints or limitations on the material's availability by using "restricted".

minute material

Emphasizes the extremely small size of the material using "minute".

token material

Suggests that the material is symbolic or present in a minimal amount.

FAQs

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

You can use "small material" to describe a limited quantity or reduced size of a substance. For example, "The analysis required only a "small material" sample" or "The device is constructed using very "small material" components".

What phrases are similar to "small material"?

Alternatives to "small material" include "limited material", "minor material", and "tiny material". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "small material" or "small amount of material"?

While both are grammatically correct, "small material" is more concise. "Small amount of material" might be preferred if you want to emphasize the quantity rather than the physical size or nature of the material.

When should I avoid using the phrase "small material"?

Avoid using "small material" if it is too vague. In technical or scientific writing, replace it with more precise descriptors like "trace amounts", "thin film", or other specific measurements.