small notes

USAGE SUMMARY

"small notes" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to refer to brief pieces of information or details that are not significant enough to form a complete sentence on their own. Here are some examples: - "I took some small notes during the meeting, but I'll need to review the full minutes to get a better understanding of the discussion." - "The article was full of small notes and anecdotes, making it an interesting read." - "I always keep a small notebook with me to jot down any small notes or ideas that come to mind."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

It can also be used to separate large and small notes.

Independent

Now the informal markets have recognized the acute shortage of small notes.

The New York Times

Android Wear really needs something else other than voice input for typing small notes.

The Guardian - Tech

His breath control was phenomenal, especially in the long sustained passages containing many small notes in an incredibly fast tempo.

The Guardian

He advises small notes – €5s, €10s and €20s – as traders may not have much cash for change.

The Guardian - Money

About Ms. Reynolds's singing, let's just say that the voice is small, notes are hard to sustain, and secure intonation elusive.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

One small note: what about stagflation?

The New York Times

"One small note," he wrote.

The New York Times

A small note hangs on the wall, written in letters snipped from newspapers.

The Guardian - Arts

Sitting inside the safe was a small note that said, in simple handwriting, "I was raped".

The New York Times

To the Huckabee campaign, it was another small note in a recent trickle of encouraging moments.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "small notes", ensure the context clarifies what kind of notes you're referring to: are they financial, musical, or written observations? Be specific to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "small notes" as a vague substitute for more precise terms. Instead of saying 'I left some small notes', specify what kind of notes they were: 'I left some reminders', 'I left some instructions', or 'I left some comments'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "small notes" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "small" modifies "notes". As evidenced by Ludwig's AI the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in various contexts. It is used to describe items that are both diminutive in size and serve as a record or communication.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "small notes" is a grammatically sound and relatively common expression used to describe brief written messages, minor musical tones, or low-denomination currency. Ludwig AI confirms its usability across various contexts. While generally neutral in tone, specific contexts may require more precise language to avoid ambiguity. As demonstrated by Ludwig's examples, the phrase appears frequently in news and media, wikis, and scientific publications. When employing "small notes", consider the surrounding vocabulary to ensure clarity and avoid overgeneralization.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

brief comments

Replaces "notes" with a synonym emphasizing brevity and informality.

minor points

Substitutes "notes" with "points", highlighting their relative unimportance.

little memos

Uses "memos" instead of "notes", adding a slightly more formal connotation.

quick jottings

Replaces both words to emphasize the speed and informality of the writing.

short annotations

Uses a more formal term for "notes", implying a more academic or technical context.

tiny reminders

Shifts the focus to the function of the notes as memory aids.

smaller details

Emphasizes the minuteness and specificity of the information.

concise remarks

Highlights the brevity and pointedness of the notes.

fleeting thoughts

Focuses on the transient nature of the ideas captured in the notes.

terse messages

Emphasizes the brevity and directness of the notes, suggesting a more urgent or functional purpose.

FAQs

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

You can use "small notes" to refer to brief written messages, minor musical tones, or low-denomination currency. For example: "She left "small notes" for her roommate" or "The melody was filled with "small notes"".

What's a good alternative to "small notes" when referring to brief written messages?

Alternatives include "brief comments", "quick jottings", or "little memos", depending on the context and level of formality.

Is it ever incorrect to use the phrase "small notes"?

While grammatically correct, using "small notes" might be too vague in some contexts. Be sure to specify the type of notes if it's not immediately clear (e.g., "small financial notes" or "small musical notes").

How does the meaning of "small notes" change depending on the context?

The phrase "small notes" can refer to different things. It might describe short written messages, low-value banknotes, or musical notations of short duration or low pitch. The context should provide clarity.