small suggestion

USAGE SUMMARY

"small suggestion" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are suggesting an idea or solution to a problem. For example, "I have a small suggestion about how to improve our company's customer service."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

Formal & Business

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

Just wanted to make this small suggestion.

Princeton University

As you tackle the budget, here is one small suggestion.

The New York Times

A rep might offer a small suggestion: "Jerry's too harsh in this scene".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Now, while we're on about business types being on the panel, I have a small suggestion to make.

Independent

There is a small suggestion of publication bias due to the two small studies reporting large effects, but this was tempered a little by a couple of larger studies with smaller effect sizes.

Nature

There was, however, one small suggestion of cheer, in indications that Henry's handball had achieved what home rule, the Good Friday agreement and Jedward could not: fostering a sense of fellow feeling between old enemies Ireland and England.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

Just small suggestions.

The Guardian - Opinion

Mr. Winkler also looked at the article and made some small suggestions.

The New York Times

Here are two small suggestions: First, stop punishing businesses for giving someone a chance.

The New York Times

In the book, Goyal makes a few small suggestions that he believes would lead to big changes in the classroom.

The Washington Post

During a run-through, he sat in the front row and quietly offered small suggestions and gentle encouragement.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "small suggestion" to introduce a minor change or improvement, not a major overhaul, as it implies a limited scope.

Common error

Avoid using "small suggestion" when the proposed idea has significant implications or requires substantial resources. It's misleading and can undermine your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "small suggestion" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where 'small' modifies 'suggestion'. It is used to introduce an idea or recommendation that is presented as minor or of limited scope, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

15%

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "small suggestion" is a common and grammatically sound way to introduce a minor idea or recommendation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for various contexts, from casual conversations to more formal discussions. When using this phrase, remember to be concise and avoid overstating the impact of your suggestion. Consider alternatives like "minor recommendation" or "brief proposal" for more formal settings. Be mindful that while the phrase itself is grammatically correct, clarity, context and accurate reflection of the idea's scope are paramount in effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

minor recommendation

Replaces "suggestion" with "recommendation", implying a slightly more formal context.

brief proposal

Substitutes "suggestion" with "proposal", suggesting a more structured and actionable idea.

slight idea

Uses "idea" instead of "suggestion", making the phrase more informal.

modest input

Replaces "suggestion" with "input", focusing on contributing to a discussion.

humble opinion

Replaces both words to convey deference and personal viewpoint.

simple tip

Uses "tip" instead of "suggestion", implying a practical and straightforward solution.

small piece of counsel

Emphasizes offering guidance, suitable for formal scenarios.

little piece of advice

Adds "piece of advice" offering a more guiding feel to the statement.

minor adjustment

Implies fine-tuning or slight alteration rather than a new idea.

passing thought

Indicates a less developed or less important idea.

FAQs

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

You can use "small suggestion" to introduce a minor idea or improvement. For example, "I have a "small suggestion" regarding the agenda for our next meeting".

What are some alternatives to saying "small suggestion"?

Alternatives include "minor recommendation", "brief proposal", or "slight idea", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "small suggestion" in formal settings?

Yes, "small suggestion" is acceptable in formal settings when offering minor improvements or ideas. However, consider alternatives like "modest input" for added politeness.

What's the difference between "small suggestion" and "big suggestion"?

"Small suggestion" implies a minor idea with limited impact, while a "big suggestion" indicates a significant change or overhaul. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the scope of your idea.