small sacrifice

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "small sacrifice" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a minor or insignificant concession or loss that is made for a greater benefit or purpose. Example: "In order to achieve our goals, we must be willing to make a small sacrifice for the greater good."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Small sacrifice".

The New York Times

But the small sacrifice always feels terrific.

The New York Times

It would be a small sacrifice on my part".

Independent

"That's a small sacrifice to play a great instrument".

The New York Times

The fact that change seems to be happening makes my small sacrifice more than worthwhile.

The Guardian - Opinion

Kid with good life must make small sacrifice to continue good life.

The Guardian - Opinion

Then again, it could be considered a small sacrifice to play a part in fashion history.

The New York Times

But it's a small sacrifice indeed to participate in a bona fide craze.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

This would be a small sacrifice, given some of the radical changes being aired elsewhere.

The Guardian

A beating, he said, was "a small sacrifice for a boy and a great treat for a monk".

The New Yorker

"Even if it means a few days in jail, it's a small sacrifice to protect the water for future generations".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "small sacrifice", ensure the context clearly indicates what the greater benefit or purpose is. This clarifies why the sacrifice is worthwhile.

Common error

Avoid using "small sacrifice" when the concession is actually significant. Misrepresenting the scale can undermine your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "small sacrifice" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "small" modifies the noun "sacrifice". It describes a concession or loss that is considered to be of minor significance. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples illustrating its usage in varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "small sacrifice" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a minor concession made for a larger benefit. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is widely used, primarily in news and media, and science contexts. When employing this phrase, ensure the benefit is clearly articulated to justify the sacrifice. Alternatives like "minor inconvenience" or "slight compromise" may be suitable depending on the precise meaning you wish to convey. Be mindful not to overstate the insignificance of the sacrifice if it is actually substantial to avoid undermining your argument. Ultimately, "small sacrifice" is a versatile phrase for framing necessary trade-offs positively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

insignificant loss

Underscores the negligible impact of what is given up.

minor concession

Focuses on the act of yielding slightly, rather than the cost.

trivial cost

Directly addresses the low expense or price associated with the sacrifice.

negligible price

Similar to "trivial cost", but emphasizes the monetary or value aspect.

modest compromise

Highlights the aspect of agreement and mutual concession.

little trade-off

Highlights the exchange aspect, emphasizing what is received in return.

slight inconvenience

Emphasizes the ease and lack of difficulty of the sacrifice.

limited setback

Highlights the temporary and restricted nature of the sacrifice.

minimal effort

Shifts the focus from sacrifice to the ease of the action required.

tiny adjustment

Suggests a minor alteration or change rather than a sacrifice.

FAQs

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

You can use "small sacrifice" to describe a minor concession made for a greater benefit. For example, "Missing a night out is a "small sacrifice" if it means finishing the project on time."

What are some alternatives to "small sacrifice"?

Alternatives to "small sacrifice" include "minor inconvenience", "slight compromise", or "insignificant loss", depending on the specific context.

Is it always appropriate to use "small sacrifice"?

The appropriateness of using "small sacrifice" depends on the context. It's best used when the cost is truly minor compared to the benefit. Avoid using it if the sacrifice is significant or has major consequences.

How does "small sacrifice" differ from "large sacrifice"?

"Small sacrifice" implies a minimal cost or inconvenience, while "large sacrifice" suggests a significant loss or hardship. The choice between them depends on the actual scale of what is being given up.