small worry

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "small worry" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a minor concern or issue that is not significant but still causes some level of anxiety or thought. Example: "I have a small worry about the upcoming presentation, but I believe I can manage it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

It is no small worry.

The New York Times

"We look at each other and say, 'What's left to do?' " It's no small worry.

The New York Times

A flooded market might affect the paintings' future value — not a small worry when they can cost as much as $3.4 million.

The New York Times - Arts

But it is a position to rapidly expand its supply, no small worry given that it has long sought to make money by exporting missiles.

The New York Times

But that's a small worry, like buying a MetroCard for the subway, because now, for the first time in a long while, both of them have regular jobs.

The New York Times

The Internet's role in the spread of sexually transmitted diseases is still a relatively small worry for health officials, Dr. Valdiserri said, noting that many people who were at risk could not even afford a computer.

The New York Times - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

[But] We did have some small worries.

The New York Times

Next to the Woodrow is a small, worrying sculpture by the late Lucia Nogueira, a polished Coke can connected to a length of rubber tubing.

The Guardian - Arts

But no matter how chic their vocation has become in places like Manhattan, Ms. Small worries about her 4-year-old daughter, currently going through her pink princess phase, and what her friends will think of her parents' profession when she goes to school.

The New York Times

There's a lovely light-handed feel to some of the scenes and that works surprisingly well, reminding us that while momentous (and often terrible) things are happening, people are also going about their daily lives and dealing with small worries and woes.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

And ever since I've entered my adult life, I've always had a small knot in my chest every time I've done anything that can be compared; a small worrying reminder that I'm not the best at whatever it is.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "small worry" to acknowledge a minor concern without overstating its importance. It's useful in contexts where acknowledging a potential issue is necessary, but emphasizing its insignificance is also important.

Common error

Avoid using "small worry" when the situation involves significant risk or potential negative outcomes. Opt for phrases like "serious concern" or "major problem" when the issue warrants more attention.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "small worry" functions as a noun phrase that describes a minor or insignificant concern. As seen in Ludwig, this phrase is often used to acknowledge a problem without overemphasizing its severity. The adjective "small" modifies the noun "worry", indicating the degree or extent of the concern.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

15%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "small worry" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that describes a minor or insignificant concern. Ludwig AI indicates that it's often used to acknowledge a problem without overemphasizing its severity. It appears most frequently in News & Media contexts. While not extremely common, the phrase is well-understood and can be effectively used in various writing styles. Consider alternatives like "minor concern" or "slight anxiety" depending on the specific tone and context you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

minor concern

Replaces "worry" with a more general term, "concern", while retaining the same level of importance.

slight concern

Substitutes "small" with "slight", emphasizing the minimal degree of worry.

trivial anxiety

Emphasizes the insignificance of the worry by using "trivial" and replaces "worry" with the more clinical term "anxiety".

insignificant worry

Directly states the lack of significance of the worry.

little apprehension

Replaces "worry" with "apprehension" suggesting a more formal tone and a milder form of anxiety.

passing concern

Indicates that the worry is temporary and not long-lasting.

fleeting worry

Highlights the brief duration of the worry.

minor anxiety

Swaps "worry" with "anxiety", specifying the emotion, and uses "minor" to show it's not serious.

negligible concern

Suggests the concern is so small it can be disregarded.

light concern

Uses "light" to describe the burden associated with the concern.

FAQs

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

You can use "small worry" to describe a minor concern. For example, "I have a "small worry" about the upcoming meeting, but I'm sure it will go fine."

What's a good alternative to "small worry"?

Alternatives to "small worry" include "minor concern", "slight anxiety", or "trivial worry". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "small worry" the same as "big worry"?

No, "small worry" refers to a minor or insignificant concern, while "big worry" indicates a major or significant concern. They are antonyms.

When should I use "small worry" instead of "slight concern"?

Both "small worry" and "slight concern" are similar, but "small worry" might imply a bit more emotional involvement. Use "slight concern" when you want to sound more objective.