small response

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "small response" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a brief or concise reply to a question or prompt. Example: "After considering the feedback, I decided to give a small response to address the main points raised."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The small response contrasts the preserved responsiveness of the URO receptors.

BMC Gastroenterology

But at least one audition drew an unusually small response.

The New York Times - Arts

"I got a very small response," he says, "but I did get a response".

The Guardian

If only he could get some small response from Europe it would help.

The Telegraph

At the federal level, we should stop thinking in terms of moving thousands of troops across the country and instead distribute small response units far more widely.

The New York Times

Hill's scheduled execution attracted a comparatively small response, with few protesters and campaigners present in the prison grounds as the appointed hour approached.

The Guardian

His scheduled execution attracted a comparatively small response, with few protesters and campaigners present in the prison grounds as the appointed hour approached.

The Guardian

Murray Novick's 4 1/2-year-old granddaughter, Rachel, asked his help inserting a small response card into an envelope, both of them blank.

The New York Times

The IVDMD had a small response to the fertilization (p<0·05): the average for D. eriantha was 51% and for E. curvula 39%.

Journal of Arid Environments

Improved sensitivity and percentage sensor response, small response time and good reproducibility identify that the fabricated LPG sensor is challenging for the detection of LPG at room temperature.

Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical

So determined - some might say Stalinist - has been this revisionism that when the then Library Association conducted a survey of FE college library facilities in 1996/7 they got a dismally small response.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "small response", ensure that the context clearly indicates what the response is to. Providing context enhances clarity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "small response" when a complete lack of response would be more accurate. Using "small response" implies there was some reaction, however minimal.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "small response" functions as a noun phrase, where 'small' modifies the noun 'response'. It describes the magnitude or intensity of a reaction or reply. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and frequently employed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

53%

News & Media

38%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "small response" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase across diverse contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. Its function is to describe a reaction or answer that is limited in scope or intensity, and it maintains a neutral to formal register. While particularly common in scientific and news media, the phrase's versatility makes it suitable for various forms of communication. When using this phrase, make sure the context clearly indicates what the response is in relation to.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

minimal reaction

Focuses on the reaction being at its lowest possible level.

modest reaction

Indicates the reaction is restrained and not excessive.

slight reaction

Emphasizes that the reaction is barely perceptible.

limited feedback

Highlights the scarcity of feedback received.

meager reply

Stresses the inadequacy and sparseness of the reply.

weak answer

Highlights the answer being unconvincing or deficient.

feeble retort

Suggests the response lacks strength or conviction.

paltry comeback

Indicates the response is insignificant and trivial.

diminished feedback

Implies the feedback has been reduced or lessened.

insignificant answer

Highlights that the answer has little importance or impact.

FAQs

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

You can use "small response" to describe a reaction that is minimal or limited, for example, "The experiment yielded only a "small response" from the test subjects".

What are some alternatives to "small response"?

Alternatives to "small response" include "minimal reaction", "modest reaction", or "slight reaction", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

Both "small response" and "little response" are grammatically correct and can be used interchangeably. However, "small response" may sound slightly more formal in certain contexts.

What does it mean when something elicits a "small response"?

When something elicits a "small response", it means that the stimulus or action only produced a minimal or limited reaction. It indicates a weak or subdued effect.