small openings

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "small openings" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe physical gaps or holes that are limited in size, often in various contexts such as construction, biology, or everyday objects. Example: "The fabric had small openings that allowed air to circulate, making it breathable."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Leave small openings for some vapor to escape, otherwise the container will burst open.

The New York Times - Food

Have small openings in which nothing happens.

The New York Times - Arts

Failing that, leave small openings in fences and boundaries.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"Even small openings around pipes leak a lot of sound," Mr. Holden said.

The New York Times

Dayne broke tackles, ran well in short-yardage situations and made the most of small openings.

The New York Times - Sports

Western oil companies say warming relations with regional powers could yield small openings.

The New York Times

This flat beetle uses its long head to probe into small openings in search of prey.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Small openings in the perimeter fence allow animals to cross the field.

The New York Times

Small openings in the rear of the building allow them access but keep predators out.

The New York Times

Myvu's Personal Media Viewer Universal Edition ($199.95) has small openings to let you see in front of and around you.

The New York Times - Tech

It's a powerful, solid building that looks like it's been sculpted out of rock, with small openings and massive ramparts.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the function of "small openings", be specific about what passes through them, such as air, light, or small objects.

Common error

Avoid using "small openings" repetitively in technical documents. Instead, vary your vocabulary with synonyms like "apertures", "gaps", or "slits" to enhance readability and precision.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "small openings" primarily functions as a noun phrase. It typically acts as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used to describe physical gaps or holes limited in size. Examples from Ludwig demonstrate this in various contexts, such as describing access points for animals or features of architectural structures.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

28%

Encyclopedias

13%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "small openings" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe limited-size apertures or gaps. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely applicable across diverse contexts, including news, science, encyclopedias, and general writing. While very common, writers should use synonyms to ensure variety in their writing. Its primary function is descriptive, specifying the nature of a space or passage. With a neutral register, it fits well in both formal and informal settings. The phrase is frequently encountered in news and media, highlighting its broad applicability and recognition.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

narrow apertures

Emphasizes the limited width of the openings.

tiny gaps

Highlights the diminutive size of the spaces.

minute holes

Focuses on the extremely small size and perforation aspect.

limited access points

Stresses the restricted entry or passage.

restricted passages

Highlights the narrow nature of the passages.

confined spaces

Indicates areas that are enclosed and limited in size.

narrow slits

Describes long, narrow openings.

pinholes

Refers to extremely small, often barely visible openings.

tight clearances

Highlights the very small amount of space available.

compact gaps

Describes small and closely packed openings.

FAQs

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

You can use "small openings" to describe physical gaps, holes or apertures that are limited in size. For example: "The insects entered the building through the "small openings" in the wall".

What are some alternatives to "small openings"?

Some alternatives include "narrow apertures", "tiny gaps", or "minute holes", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "small openings" or "tiny openings"?

Both "small openings" and "tiny openings" are correct, but "tiny openings" emphasizes an even smaller size. The choice depends on the specific degree of smallness you want to convey.

What is the difference between "small openings" and "narrow openings"?

"Small openings" refers to the overall size of the opening, while "narrow openings" specifically refers to the width of the opening. A "narrow apertures" may or may not be small in height or length.