small window

USAGE SUMMARY

"small window" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a literal window, or when you want to express a figurative, limited opportunity or timeframe. For example: "We only have a small window of time in which to finish the project before the deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

He slid open the small window.

The New Yorker

Above him was a small window.

The New Yorker

I looked out the small window.

The New Yorker

But could there be a small window?

The Guardian

Today, a small window of sunshine opened.

The New York Times

"That's a small window," Rabbi Reisman retorted.

The New York Times

This presents a small window of opportunity.

The Guardian - Opinion

I HAVE only a small window of time.

The New York Times

Movies get a very small window in which to work.

The Guardian - Film

Roberts's play gave the defense a small window of opportunity.

The New York Times - Arts

Bottles of Spanish wine gather dust in a small window.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider context, you can enrich your sentence by using adjective such as "quaint small window" or "historic small window".

Common error

Avoid using "small window" literally when you mean a limited opportunity; instead, clarify with phrases like "short timeframe" or "limited window of opportunity" for better clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "small window" primarily functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is standard English. It is used to describe a physical opening or, figuratively, a limited opportunity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Wiki

23%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "small window" is a versatile term, commonly used to describe both literal, physical windows and, metaphorically, limited opportunities or timeframes. As Ludwig AI highlights, it is grammatically sound and widely accepted in English. While frequently found in news and media, it also appears in wiki articles and scientific publications. When writing, consider the context to ensure the phrase's meaning is clear, opting for more precise alternatives like "limited timeframe" when necessary. The usage of "small window" is very common, demonstrating its relevance in various forms of communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tiny opening

Emphasizes the extremely reduced size of the window.

limited timeframe

Shifts the meaning towards a short period of time available.

narrow opportunity

Focuses on the limited scope of a chance or possibility.

confined space

Highlights the restricted physical area.

miniature viewport

Replaces "window" with a more technical term for a viewing aperture.

brief interval

Highlights a short time period.

compact aperture

Emphasizes the small dimensions of an opening.

modest opening

Describes the window as not large or significant.

short duration

Focuses on the brevity of a time span.

reduced perspective

Highlights a restricted viewpoint or outlook.

FAQs

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

You can use "small window" to describe a physical window, such as "He peered through the "small window" in the door". It can also refer to a limited opportunity, like "We have a "small window" to launch the project".

What are some alternatives to "small window" when referring to a limited opportunity?

Alternatives include "limited opportunity", "brief timeframe", or "narrow chance", depending on the specific context.

Is "small window of opportunity" redundant?

While "window of opportunity" already implies a limited time, using "small window of opportunity" can emphasize the particularly brief or narrow nature of the chance. It is not strictly redundant but adds emphasis.

What is the difference between "small window" and "tiny window"?

"Small window" generally indicates a window of reduced size, while "tiny window" suggests an extremely diminutive window. The choice depends on the degree of smallness you want to convey.