small wonder

USAGE SUMMARY

"small wonder" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when something is not surprising or when something is easily understandable given the available context. For example, "The team has made it to the playoffs for the third consecutive year. Small wonder they're so successful."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

No small wonder, that.

The New York Times - Books

Small wonder she's touchy.

The Economist

Small wonder pluckers are nervous.

The Economist

Small wonder: Michigan has stalled.

The Economist

Small wonder she's emotionally damaged.

The New York Times

Small wonder, though, they jumped.

The New Yorker

Small wonder that F.B.I.

The New York Times

And small wonder.

The New York Times - Arts

Perhaps it's small wonder.

The Guardian

Small wonder, given his target: Big Data.

The New York Times

Small wonder that turnover is high.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "small wonder" to introduce a statement that logically follows from the previous one, creating a sense of inevitability or obviousness. It works best when the connection between the cause and effect is clear to the reader.

Common error

While "small wonder" is acceptable in many situations, avoid overusing it in formal or academic writing. Opt for more sophisticated phrases like "unsurprisingly" or "it is not surprising" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "small wonder" functions as an introductory phrase or adverbial phrase, used to express that something is not surprising, often because of a previously mentioned fact or situation. This is consistent with Ludwig's analysis, confirming its function as a connector of cause and effect.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "small wonder" is a common phrase used to express a lack of surprise, often introducing a logical consequence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely used, especially in news and media contexts. While versatile, it’s best to avoid overuse in overly formal settings. Alternatives like "unsurprisingly" or "it's not surprising" can provide a more sophisticated tone when needed. Remember to use it when the cause-and-effect relationship is clear, enhancing your writing with a touch of casual insight.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unsurprisingly

This single word concisely conveys the lack of surprise.

it's not surprising

This is a direct and literal rephrasing of the original meaning.

no surprise

A shorter, more informal version expressing the same idea.

hardly surprising

Emphasizes the lack of surprise even more strongly.

it figures

An idiomatic expression implying that the outcome was predictable.

as expected

Highlights that the result aligned with prior expectations.

predictably

Similar to "unsurprisingly", but slightly more formal.

naturally

Indicates that the outcome was a logical consequence of the situation.

it was to be expected

A more verbose way of saying the outcome was not surprising.

who could have guessed

A rhetorical question implying that the outcome was obvious.

FAQs

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

Use "small wonder" to express that something is not surprising, often because of a previously mentioned fact or situation. For example, "The company invested heavily in marketing; "small wonder" sales increased significantly."

What can I say instead of "small wonder"?

You can use alternatives like "unsurprisingly", "it's not surprising", or "no surprise" depending on the context.

Is "small wonder" formal or informal?

"Small wonder" is generally considered to be neutral in tone, suitable for most writing contexts. However, in highly formal or academic writing, alternatives like "it is not surprising" or "unsurprisingly" might be preferable.

What is the difference between "small wonder" and "little wonder"?

Both "small wonder" and "little wonder" are interchangeable and have the same meaning. Choose the one that sounds better in your specific context.