small models

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "small models" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to models that are physically small in size or represent a smaller scale of something, such as in design, architecture, or data analysis. Example: "The architect presented several small models of the proposed building to give us a better understanding of the design."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Japan also has pink cars, especially small models.

The New York Times

He sometimes made small models out of materials that refer to the earth, such as glass.

The New York Times

Mr. Voita, who is Swiss, also constructs small models in his studio.

The New York Times - Arts

But both are small models intended mainly for deliveries in cities rather than long-haul highway travel.

The New York Times

These measurements were then taken to Glatz, an engineering company that makes prototypes, small models and parts.

The New York Times - Arts

American carmakers are already bringing innovative small models here from Asia and Europe.

The New York Times

Sales of South Korean models have relied heavily on low prices and long warranties, but now small models from Hyundai and Kia have grown more appealing.

The New York Times

Small models are generally suspended vertically, whereas larger ones rest horizontally; some underscore dance rhythms, while others are signal instruments.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Here and there, between the fields and in the copses, stood the whitewashed waist-high columns and brick walls of Vietnamese tombs, which look like small models of the ruins of once-splendid palaces.

The New Yorker

While there, working as an electronics technician, he saw how aerospace engineers started with small models of their designs and then scaled them up to full-size airplanes.

The New York Times - Tech

It includes kinetic, interactive paintings and small models of participatory environments, or ambienti, as well as early ceramics with movable parts.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing physical objects or systems, use "small models" to indicate a scaled-down representation used for analysis, design, or demonstration. This is particularly effective in technical or architectural contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "small models" when you mean models that are simplified in terms of complexity, not necessarily size. Use "simplified models" or "conceptual models" instead to clarify that the reduction is in detail, not scale.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "small models" functions primarily as a noun phrase where the adjective "small" modifies the noun "models". It is used to describe models that are reduced in size but still represent the essential features of the original, as seen in examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

40%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "small models" is a grammatically sound and frequently used term to describe scaled-down representations of larger objects or systems. As indicated by Ludwig, it commonly appears in news, science, and encyclopedia contexts, denoting models used for testing, analysis, or demonstration. The phrase maintains a neutral formality, making it suitable for diverse audiences. When using "small models", ensure it accurately reflects a reduction in size rather than complexity, and consider alternatives like "miniature models" or "scale models" to fine-tune your meaning. Ludwig's analysis underscores the phrase's correctness and wide applicability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

miniature models

Replaces "small" with "miniature", emphasizing a reduced scale and detailed representation.

reduced-size models

Directly indicates the models are smaller versions of something larger.

scale models

Focuses on the representation being proportional to the original, suitable for architectural or engineering contexts.

scaled-down models

Highlights the process of reducing something in size while maintaining proportions.

model replicas

Indicates the models are exact copies of an original, but in a smaller size.

compact models

Emphasizes the small size and efficient use of space of the models.

diminutive models

Uses a more formal term for "small", suitable for literary or technical writing.

prototype models

Implies these are early versions used for testing and refinement before full-scale production.

simplified models

Highlights that the models are less complex than the real thing, focusing on essential features.

mock-up models

Suggests the models are for visual representation and demonstration, rather than functional testing.

FAQs

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

You can use "small models" to describe scaled-down representations of larger objects or systems, such as "The engineers used "small models" to test the bridge's structural integrity".

What are some alternatives to "small models"?

Alternatives include "miniature models", "scale models", or "compact models", depending on the context and the aspect you want to emphasize.

Is it correct to use "small models" in a scientific context?

Yes, "small models" is appropriate in scientific contexts to describe simplified versions of complex systems used for analysis and experimentation. For example, "Researchers often use "small models" to simulate climate change effects".

What's the difference between "small models" and "simplified models"?

"Small models" refers to models that are physically smaller in size compared to the real object, while "simplified models" are less complex and contain fewer details, regardless of their physical size.