smallest

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "smallest" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing sizes, quantities, or degrees, indicating the least in a group. Example: "Out of all the boxes, this one is the smallest."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Business

Travel

Environment

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Smallest country taking part: Divers on the smallest island nation of the world, Nauru (8.1 square miles) will plunge into their coral reefs for an underwater clean-up.

The Guardian

The ramshackle infrastructure of Central America's smallest country was devastated.

The Guardian - Sport

Estonia is the smallest, least corrupt and most prosperous of all the former Soviet republics.

The Guardian

This year's Oscar errors extend to the smallest end of the scale: in both the live action and animated short film categories, voters managed to pluck the least exciting option.

The Guardian - Film

They have the smallest migratory range of any marine turtle, so when their home in Queensland is destroyed, they've really got nowhere else to go.

The Guardian

The most ambitious would cut £1.71 billion but need £13.03 billion investment rather than the £4.9 billion needed for the smallest scheme.

The Guardian

In Kos, the reliance is even higher and the smallest drop in numbers will damage its fragile economy.

The Guardian

"The smallest piece weighed ¾ of a ton.

The Guardian - Arts

The ground is the smallest in the Championship.

The Guardian - Sport

The smallest crumb of comfort perhaps, yet even in defeat Dundee United could be rightly proud of both their players and supporters.

The Guardian - Sport

As an undetectable means of bumping someone off, poison has fallen steeply out of favour in recent times, forensic technology having advanced to such a degree that the presence of even the smallest quantities of any toxic agent in a corpse will now almost inevitably be detected.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "smallest", ensure you're comparing it within a clearly defined group. For example, "the smallest house on the street" clarifies the context.

Common error

Avoid using "smallest" when comparing multiple attributes simultaneously. It's clearer to break down complex comparisons into simpler statements. Instead of saying "the smallest yet most efficient engine", specify "the engine is the smallest available, and it's also the most efficient."

Linguistic Context

The word "smallest" functions primarily as a superlative adjective. It is used to describe the item or entity that has the least size, extent, or degree compared to all others within a specific group. Ludwig AI validates this usage through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Sport

12%

Business

8%

Less common in

Travel

5%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "smallest" is a superlative adjective indicating the least size, extent, or degree. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and very common usage across a variety of contexts, predominantly in news and media, sport, and business. It's essential to use "smallest" when making comparisons within a clearly defined group to provide specific information. While grammatically sound and widely accepted, overusing it in complex comparisons can reduce clarity. Remember, while alternatives like "tiniest" or "minuscule" exist, they may carry different connotations. The high frequency of "smallest" in reputable sources underscores its reliability and importance in everyday communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tiniest

Emphasizes extreme diminutiveness.

littlest

More informal, often used with affection or when speaking to children.

minuscule

Highlights the extremely small size, bordering on insignificant.

slightest

Focuses on the minimal degree or amount.

most diminutive

More formal and emphasizes the reduced size.

least significant

Shifts the focus to importance rather than size.

minimal

Indicates the least possible or required amount.

paltriest

Suggests insignificance and worthlessness.

most reduced

Emphasizes the action of reducing to the smallest possible size.

inappreciable

Indicates something is so small it's not worth consideration.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "smallest"?

You can use alternatives like "tiniest", "littlest", or "minuscule" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

How do I use "smallest" correctly in a sentence?

Use "smallest" when you are comparing three or more items and want to indicate the one with the least size, amount, or degree. Example: "This is the smallest portion of the three."

What is the difference between "smallest" and "least significant"?

"Smallest" refers primarily to physical size or quantity, while "least significant" refers to importance or impact. They are not interchangeable in most contexts.

Is "smallest" always the most appropriate word to use when describing something very small?

Not necessarily. While "smallest" is correct, alternatives like "tiniest" or "minuscule" might be more appropriate depending on the context and the desired emphasis on the extreme smallness.