smallest people

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "smallest people" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to individuals who are physically small in stature or in a metaphorical sense, such as in discussions about social status or influence. Example: "In the world of competitive sports, the smallest people often surprise everyone with their incredible agility and speed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

In a century's time, the Dutch have gone from being among the smallest people in Europe to the largest in the world.

The New Yorker

Here, again, the kids will feel totally at home, as a result of the enduring fascination the world's smallest people have for the world's largest creatures.

The New York Times

Not that Einstein liked nation states but the world is divided into nation states, and "the Jewish people alone has for centuries been in the anomalous position of being victimised and hounded as a people, though bereft of all the rights and protections which even the smallest people normally has... Zionism offered the means of ending this discrimination.

The Guardian

And the Pygmies, who live in dense jungle habitat, have remained some of the smallest people on the planet, with adult males seldom topping 1.5 meters.

Science Magazine

The smallest people in our economy are praying with their last coins.

Huffington Post

The biggest people with the biggest ideas can be shot down by the smallest people with the smallest minds.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Small people with small ideas.

The New York Times

How would big people make small people?

The New Yorker

Attention small people!

The Guardian - Lifestyle

B. "We care about the small people".

The New York Times

But smaller people and women especially".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "smallest people", ensure the context clarifies whether you're referring to physical size, social standing, or another attribute. Specify by writing for example "smallest people in the world", or "smallest people in the company".

Common error

Avoid using "smallest people" when you specifically mean "children". While children are often physically smaller, the phrase carries a broader connotation and may be inappropriate in contexts where age is the primary factor.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "smallest people" functions primarily as a noun phrase modified by an adjective. It identifies a group of individuals distinguished by their size or, metaphorically, their significance. Ludwig shows examples referring to both physical stature and social standing.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "smallest people" is a phrase used to describe individuals who are either physically small or metaphorically insignificant in terms of power or influence. Ludwig AI indicates that it is grammatically correct and usable, though relatively rare in occurrence. The phrase is most commonly found in news and media contexts. When using the phrase, ensure that the context makes clear whether you are referring to physical size or social status. Alternatives like "shortest individuals" or "those with the least power" may be more precise depending on the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shortest individuals

Focuses specifically on height, removing ambiguity about other qualities implied by "people".

least tall people

Directly contrasts with tallness, maintaining a focus on physical height.

diminutive individuals

Emphasizes smallness in a more formal tone.

people of short stature

A clinical and neutral way to describe physical height.

those of lesser influence

Shifts the meaning to social or political power.

underprivileged populations

Refers to those with fewer resources or opportunities.

most vulnerable individuals

Highlights susceptibility to harm or exploitation.

miniscule population

Focuses on the insignificant numbers of people.

the meek

Implies humility and submissiveness.

insignificant persons

Implies a lack of importance or recognition.

FAQs

What does "smallest people" mean?

The phrase "smallest people" generally refers to individuals who are physically short in stature or, metaphorically, those with the least power or influence within a given context.

How can I use "smallest people" in a sentence?

You can use "smallest people" to describe physical size, as in "The Pygmies are among the "smallest people" on the planet". Alternatively, it can refer to those with the least influence, like "We care about the "small people"".

What are some alternatives to "smallest people"?

Alternatives include "shortest individuals" when referring to height, or phrases like "those with the least power" when discussing influence.

Is it appropriate to use "smallest people" to refer to children?

While children are often smaller in stature, using "smallest people" might not always be appropriate. It's more precise to use "children" or "youngest members" to avoid ambiguity and potential misinterpretation.