small though

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "small though" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to introduce a contrast or concession, often implying that despite something being small, it still holds significance or value. Example: "The project was small though, it had a big impact on the community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"This action is very small, though," Ms. Diron said.

The New York Times

Mr. Small, though, doesn't believe the move will happen.

The New York Times

It's very small, though, so it can get packed out.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

At 25 kroner for a small, though, it stretches frugal limits.

The New York Times

This made her appear small, though, in fact, her frame was of normal dimensions.

The New Yorker

This effect is small though.

Cornell University

Some of the numbers were small, though.

The New York Times

These effects are relatively small though.

Nature

The increase in grosses was small, though.

The New York Times

The market there remains small, though sales are rising exponentially.

The New York Times

Katsavounidis stresses that the signs for antialignment are small, though potentially significant.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "small though" to introduce a surprising or unexpected quality or impact despite the limited size or scope.

Common error

Avoid using "small though" when the smallness is the main point and not a contrast. Ensure there's a subsequent element that the smallness contrasts with, to highlight an unexpected effect or value.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "small though" functions as a concessive conjunction phrase, introducing a statement that contrasts with or qualifies the preceding one. As Ludwig AI highlights, it sets up an expectation that the small size might imply insignificance, which is then countered.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

38%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "small though" is a versatile conjunction phrase used to introduce a contrast, highlighting that something's limited size doesn't diminish its significance. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically sound and frequently used across diverse contexts, from news and media to scientific publications. While alternatives like "albeit small" or "even if small" exist, the key is to ensure the smallness genuinely contrasts with a surprising or noteworthy quality. Avoid using it simply to state a small size without further implications. Mastering its use can add subtlety and impact to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

albeit small

More formal alternative; emphasizes concession.

however small

Emphasizes the contrast more directly.

even if small

Highlights the hypothetical smallness and its implications.

small as it is

Highlights the size while introducing the main point.

though diminutive

Replaces 'small' with 'diminutive' for a more sophisticated tone.

despite its size

Explicitly mentions the size as a factor.

even if tiny

Uses 'tiny' for a stronger emphasis on smallness.

while compact

Uses 'compact' instead of 'small', suggesting efficiency or neatness.

although minor

Replaces 'small' with 'minor', suggesting less importance.

yet limited

Focuses on the limitations implied by the small size.

FAQs

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

Use "small though" to introduce a contrast, suggesting that despite being small, something has significance or impact. For example, "The change was "small though", it made a big difference".

What are some alternatives to "small though"?

You can use alternatives like "albeit small", "even if small", or "however small" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "though small" instead of "small though"?

Both "small though" and "though small" are grammatically acceptable. The choice often depends on the desired emphasis and flow of the sentence. "Though small" may be used to frontload the concession.

What's the difference between "small though" and "relatively small"?

"Small though" implies a contrast between size and impact or significance. "Relatively small" simply indicates a comparison to something else; it does not necessarily imply a surprising or unexpected outcome.