small world

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "small world" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express surprise at encountering someone or something familiar in an unexpected context, highlighting the interconnectedness of people or situations. Example: "I ran into my childhood friend in a different country; it's a small world!"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

Small world.

Independent

Small world, isn't it?

The New Yorker

It's a small world.

The New Yorker

Indeed, golf has become a small world.

The New York Times

And their small world seemed vast.

The New York Times

"It's a small world," Bucci said.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

Small-world network.

Complex Adaptive Systems Modeling

Small-world networks are not always connected.

Journal of Modern Power Systems and Clean Energy

This network also shows a small-world effect.

Research Policy

We assume that a similar behaviour governs small-world links.

BMC Public Health

This observation is called the "small-world" phenomenon [ 8].

BMC Systems Biology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "small world" to express surprise or irony when encountering familiar people or situations in unexpected contexts. It's suitable for both casual conversations and more formal writing to convey a sense of interconnectedness or coincidence.

Common error

Avoid using "small world" in situations where connections are already obvious or expected. Save it for moments that genuinely feel surprising or coincidental to maintain its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "small world" primarily functions as an idiomatic expression. It's used to convey surprise or recognition of an unexpected connection or coincidence. Ludwig examples demonstrate its versatility in everyday conversations and media contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "small world" is a common idiom used to express surprise or recognition of an unexpected connection, as validated by Ludwig AI. It functions as an idiomatic expression, serving to communicate astonishment or amusement at a surprising intersection of events. While generally neutral in register, it leans toward informal usage and is frequently found in News & Media. To maintain its impact, reserve its use for genuinely surprising situations. Related phrases like "what a coincidence" or "it's a small planet" can offer similar sentiments with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

It's a small planet

Emphasizes the global interconnectedness, minimizing geographical distance.

What a coincidence

Focuses on the unexpected nature of a chance encounter or event.

It's a connected world

Stresses the idea that everyone and everything is linked in some way.

How unexpected

Highlights the surprise element of an occurrence.

Fancy meeting you here

A more personal expression of surprise at encountering someone in an unexpected place.

What are the odds

Highlights the improbability of an event or encounter.

Isn't it a surprise

Highlights the element of astonishment related to an experience.

Talk about a surprise

Emphasizes the unexpected nature of an event or discovery.

You never know who you'll run into

Focuses on the unpredictable nature of encounters.

Full circle moment

Highlights the cyclical nature of events or relationships, suggesting a return to a previous state.

FAQs

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

You can use "small world" to express surprise at an unexpected encounter or connection. For example, "I ran into my old college roommate while traveling in Japan—it's a small world!"

What's a more formal way to say "small world"?

While "small world" is generally acceptable, in a more formal context, you might say "what a coincidence" or emphasize the interconnectedness of events.

Is it ever incorrect to use the phrase "small world"?

The phrase "small world" is appropriate when highlighting a surprising connection or coincidence. Overusing it in predictable situations can diminish its impact.

What can I say instead of "small world"?

You can use alternatives like "what a coincidence", "it's a small planet", or "fancy meeting you here" depending on the context.