small sound

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "small sound" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a sound that is low in volume or intensity. Example: "In the quiet of the night, I could hear a small sound coming from the bushes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

My brother made a small sound like a cat.

The New York Times

Her small sound is best suited to intimate theaters.

The New York Times - Arts

The disjunction between big ambition and small sound is what drives the project.

The New York Times - Arts

After making its mark with a big sound, it tried a small sound.

The New York Times - Arts

It was one of those spots that takes a small sound bite from the program.

The New York Times

It's like the small sound that can set off a landslide.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

Percussion instruments are an important part of traditional Beijing opera, but Jiang felt that they overpowered other instruments, and had them confined in a "pigeon cage," a small, sound-absorbing structure built into the orchestra pit.

The New York Times - Arts

With automated auditory brainstem response testing, a few small sticker electrodes are placed on the baby's head to measure the brain's response to small sounds.

The New York Times

Many people can be driven to distraction by certain small sounds that do not seem to bother others — gum chewing, footsteps, whispering, humming.

The New York Times

Many people can be driven to distraction by certain small sounds that do not seem to bother others — gum chewing, footsteps, humming.

The New York Times - Health

In writing, our sensitivity to small sounds is such that a minute alteration in decorum can have a very big effect on tone.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "small sound" when indicating a delicate or easily overlooked element in audio design or analysis.

Common error

Avoid assuming that a "small sound" is unimportant. Sometimes, these subtle sounds can be crucial indicators or pivotal elements in a narrative.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "small sound" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "small" modifies the noun "sound". It describes a sound that is low in volume or intensity. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

22%

Wiki

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "small sound" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe a sound that is low in volume or intensity. Ludwig AI confirms its usability across various contexts. It frequently appears in "News & Media", "Science", and "Wiki" sources. When employing this phrase, be mindful to focus on a sound event's delicate or easily overlooked aspects. Though the phrase is not wrong, it should not be confused with its importance, as even the smallest sounds may convey significance. The term's neutrality makes it suitable for several writing styles, which helps create vivid and engaging descriptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

faint noise

Focuses on the auditory perception of a quiet noise.

quiet sound

Emphasizes the low volume of the sound.

soft sound

Highlights the gentle nature of the sound.

feeble sound

Implies the sound is weak and lacking strength.

subtle sound

Suggests the sound is delicate and not easily noticed.

slight sound

Indicates the sound is minimal and barely audible.

muted sound

Describes a sound that has been dampened or softened.

inaudible sound

Highlights the impossibility to be heard.

barely audible sound

Focuses on the difficult sound to be heard.

low-level sound

Emphasizes the reduced sound's intensity.

FAQs

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

You can use "small sound" to describe a noise that is low in volume or intensity. For example: "In the quiet forest, I could hear a "small sound" coming from the bushes".

What are some alternatives to "small sound"?

Alternatives include "faint noise", "quiet sound", or "soft sound", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "small sound" in formal writing?

Yes, "small sound" is appropriate for both formal and informal writing contexts. Its suitability depends more on the overall tone and style of your piece.

How does the phrase "small sound" differ from "smallest sound"?

"Small sound" refers to a sound of low volume, while "smallest sound" emphasizes that it's the quietest or most minimal sound that can be perceived. "Smallest sound" implies a comparative degree of quietness.