small work

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "small work" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a minor task or a piece of work that is not extensive in size or complexity. Example: "I have a small work assignment to complete before the end of the day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Mr. Bey favors small work surfaces.

The New York Times

The collector material should have a small work function.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It's a small work of thick but ribbon-like bronze.

The New York Times

A small work area was equipped with several outlets, a (white) desk and chair.

The New York Times - Travel

The team members sit in the same small work area and communicate easily.

The New York Times

The presence system was automatically turned on for people within small work groups.

The New York Times - Tech

The small work, just 16 by 20 inches, is believed to have been painted around 1612.

The New York Times - Arts

The small work is conceived like a stage set with parted curtains.

The New York Times

"Alex Esposite: New Small Work: Which Came First?" Wednesday through Sept. 12. "Tara Russo: Colorwheels".

The New York Times

The cartouche, or title block, became more and more elaborate, amounting to a small work of art.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Rather, Quickoffice offers a way to complete small work tasks easily while you are on the move.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing artistic creations, use "small work" to emphasize the piece's intimate scale, inviting viewers to appreciate intricate details.

Common error

While "small work" is generally acceptable, overuse in formal or business documents may sound unprofessional. Consider using more precise alternatives like "minor task" or "limited assignment" to convey greater clarity and professionalism.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "small work" typically functions as a noun phrase where "small" modifies the noun "work". Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts, functioning to describe tasks or projects that are not extensive.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Encyclopedias

23%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Arts

9%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "small work" is a grammatically sound and common phrase used to describe tasks, projects, or artistic pieces that are limited in scope or size. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's versatile and appears in diverse contexts, particularly news, encyclopedias, and scientific literature. While generally neutral in tone, consider more formal alternatives in academic or high-stakes professional settings. Be mindful of overuse, and utilize synonyms like "minor task" or "limited assignment" to maintain clarity and professionalism. Remember to appreciate the intimate details when "small work" refers to art.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

little work

Uses a more informal synonym for "small", suggesting a task of minimal effort.

minor work

Emphasizes the insignificance or lower priority of the work.

limited work

Indicates that the amount of work or its scope is restricted.

modest work

Replaces "small" with "modest", emphasizing the limited scale or importance of the work.

tiny work

Stresses the extremely diminutive size of the work, often referring to artwork or detailed tasks.

slight work

Implies the work is not demanding or substantial.

brief task

Replaces "work" with "task" and focuses on the brevity of the undertaking.

short work

Focuses on the brief duration or limited time required for the work.

slim work

Highlights the reduced size or scope of the work, implying a lighter workload.

narrow work

Suggests a specific or limited focus within the work.

FAQs

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

"Small work" is used to describe a task or project that is limited in scope or size. For example: "I have a "little work" to complete before the meeting."

What can I say instead of "small work"?

Alternatives include "minor task", "limited assignment", or "brief project", depending on the specific context.

Is "small work" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "small work" might be too informal for certain formal contexts. Consider alternatives like "limited scope" or "modest undertaking" for a more professional tone.

What's the difference between "small work" and "minor work"?

Both terms refer to tasks of limited importance or size, but "minor work" often implies a lower priority or significance, while "small work" primarily emphasizes the scale or effort involved. Using "slight work" focuses on the effort necessary to complete it.