small sphere

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "small sphere" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an object that is both small in size and spherical in shape. Example: "The artist created a beautiful sculpture of a small sphere that captured the light perfectly."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Chuck knelt, and the globe changed back into a small sphere.

The New Yorker

Some people with Alzheimer's disease, for example, see only a small sphere, not the trees beyond.

The New York Times - Health

When I became director of the Fine Art Society I was conscious that I had a responsibility to make change happen in my own small sphere of influence.

The Guardian

Fifty years ago today, the Soviet Union launched a small sphere into space that could do little more than beep-beep-beep as it circled the Earth.

The New York Times

Feminist historians, Baker included, have interpreted it as an attempt to control the small sphere in which Victorian Washington allowed women power.

The New Yorker

The installation of Small Sphere and Heavy Sphere (1932/33) is accompanied by a small video showing the work in action.

Independent

It's true that no one person can create a feminist utopia overnight, but if we each took a few simple actions to challenge sexism in our own small sphere, together we could make a very big difference indeed.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Mimicking that drawing, the pen is topped by a small sphere that in the 18-carat gold version (about $5,500) is made of tiger's-eye, and in the humbler silver version (a mere $1,500) of carnelian.

The New York Times

By Rebecca Curtis Some months ago, I briefly became pregnant with the child of a Ph.D. in quantum physics, and for a few seconds I understood the nature of time: It was a small sphere, a compressed rubber band.

The New Yorker

Tate Modern has managed to borrow Small Sphere and Heavy Sphere (1932), where human intervention sets a little white ball swinging among a sequence of objects – box, bottle, gong – arranged in a ring.

The Guardian - Arts

Some months ago, I briefly became pregnant with the child of a Ph.D. in quantum physics, and for a few seconds I understood the nature of time: It was a small sphere, a compressed rubber band.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a "small sphere", consider the context to choose the most appropriate synonym. For technical writing, "spherical particle" might be best, while "little orb" could suit creative writing.

Common error

Avoid using "small sphere" repeatedly when more descriptive or evocative alternatives like "tiny ball" or "miniature globe" would enrich your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "small sphere" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "small" modifies the noun "sphere". It describes a physical object characterized by its dimensions and shape. Ludwig AI supports this with numerous examples demonstrating its descriptive capacity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

55%

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "small sphere" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe an object. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is used across diverse contexts, ranging from scientific research and news reports to general descriptions. Its frequency is "very common", particularly in Science and News & Media. While alternatives like "tiny ball" or "miniature globe" offer nuanced variations, "small sphere" remains a versatile and reliable choice. When you describe something using this phrase, be sure you cannot use an alternative to be more descriptive.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

small globe

A direct synonym emphasizing shape and size.

small ball

A common and simple alternative

tiny ball

Emphasizes the diminutive size of the sphere.

diminutive sphere

Highlights the extremely small size.

miniature globe

Highlights the spherical shape and reduced scale.

little orb

Offers a slightly more poetic or whimsical alternative.

compact sphere

Emphasizes the dense or tightly packed nature of the sphere.

petite sphere

Lends a slightly more refined or delicate tone.

spherical particle

More technical, focusing on the shape and particulate nature.

small round object

A more general description, suitable when the exact shape isn't crucial.

FAQs

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

You can use "small sphere" to describe an object that is both small and spherical, such as, "The experiment involved observing the behavior of a "small sphere" in a magnetic field".

What can I say instead of "small sphere"?

You can use alternatives like "tiny ball", "miniature globe", or "little orb" depending on the context.

Is it more appropriate to say "small sphere" or "spherical particle"?

The choice between "small sphere" and "spherical particle" depends on the context. "Spherical particle" is more suitable for scientific or technical contexts, while "small sphere" is more general.

What is the difference between a "small sphere" and a "small ball"?

While the terms are often interchangeable, "sphere" implies a mathematically perfect roundness, while "ball" can refer to a more general, slightly imperfect round object.