small opportunity

USAGE SUMMARY

"small opportunity" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe a circumstance in which a person has only a small chance of success. For example: "He was presented with a small opportunity to win the tournament, but he didn't have enough practice to make it happen."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

"It's a pretty small opportunity right now".

The New York Times

I had a small opportunity and I missed it".

The New York Times - Sports

"Who knows, there may be a small opportunity for me to tart that up a little bit in the spirit of the occasion".

The Guardian - Music

This is a very small amount of capital, which creates the assumption of a small opportunity in which an investor might not have much interest.

The New York Times

In addition, the market that this business is going after is students, which means school budgets, which in my mind translates to a small opportunity.

The New York Times

"One has only a small opportunity in life to do things like this," Mr. Goldsmith said in an interview earlier this year.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

The characters keep stumbling into small opportunities for redemption.

The New Yorker

This doesn't need to involve grand gestures or expensive plans, but looking for the small opportunities to be kind, and practising it whenever you can.

The Guardian - Opinion

In India, "one's involvement in other people's lives gave one numerous small opportunities for importance".Ms Desai's Indian characters are exquisitely particular funny but never quaint, full of foibles but never reduced by authorial condescension.

The Economist

Mr. Franklin, meanwhile, said that "there are a number of small opportunities and investments that the company would like to make that it has not had the time and ability to do".

The New York Times - Tech

"Small opportunities weren't taken and, the closer it got, the harder it got to bowl them out".

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "small opportunity", consider the context and ensure that the adjective accurately reflects the degree of possibility or advantage. It's often used to temper expectations or highlight the need for strategic action.

Common error

Avoid using "small opportunity" when the situation warrants a stronger term. Inflating the potential can mislead the audience and undermine your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "small opportunity" functions as a noun phrase, with "small" acting as a descriptive adjective modifying the noun "opportunity". Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

21%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "small opportunity" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to describe a limited or modest chance for success. Ludwig AI validates its use across diverse contexts, particularly in news and media, and science. While the phrase itself is neutral, careful consideration should be given to the degree of potential being presented, and whether a more emphatic phrase would improve clarity. Alternatives include "limited chance", "slight prospect", and "modest opening". When writing, avoid exaggerating or minimizing the scope of the opportunity to maintain clarity and credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

limited chance

Emphasizes the restricted nature of the possibility.

minor possibility

Highlights the insignificance of the potential.

slight prospect

Focuses on the faintness of the outlook.

modest opening

Suggests a humble beginning or advantage.

narrow window

Implies a brief and limited timeframe.

slim hope

Underlines the tenuous nature of the expectation.

meager scope

Highlights the limited extent or range.

petite advantage

Stresses the small scale of the benefit.

reduced likelihood

Focuses on the decreased probability of success.

marginal occasion

Emphasizes the unimportance of the instance.

FAQs

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

You can use "small opportunity" to describe a situation where there is a limited chance for success or advancement. For example: "Despite the challenges, he saw a "small opportunity" to turn the company around."

What are some alternatives to "small opportunity"?

Alternatives include "limited chance", "slight prospect", or "modest opening" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "small opportunity" or "little opportunity"?

Both "small opportunity" and "little opportunity" are grammatically correct and can be used interchangeably. The choice often depends on personal preference or the rhythm of the sentence. "Small" is slightly more formal than "little".

What's the difference between "small opportunity" and "great opportunity"?

"Small opportunity" implies a limited chance or scope for success, while "great opportunity" suggests a significant and promising possibility. The terms are antonyms and should be used to reflect the actual potential of the situation.