the smallest item

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the smallest item" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the least significant or the least sized object in a particular context or collection. Example: "Among all the components in the box, the smallest item was a tiny screw."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

But I'll never to force them to discard even the smallest item; the choice always needs to be theirs.

The Guardian - Opinion

Apparently, at the time, the smallest item that could be posted was a bee, and the largest an elephant.

The New Yorker

The smallest item is the Lord's Prayer on a piece of glass the size of a pin-point, written by Mr. McEwen of the Ox Fibre Brush Co.

The New Yorker

While Mr. Nolan and Mr. Chidester take satisfaction in seeing even the smallest item returned, there are occasions when the job is particularly rewarding.

The New York Times

Gift bags are officially taboo for members of Congress and their staffs who, under strict new ethics rules, cannot take even the smallest item from swag bags.

The Washington Post

Every shopfront on the block was transformed to look as it did in Dillinger's day; even the smallest item in the shop windows was replaced by its 1930s counterpart.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

If students are using a variety of different objects, they should add the smallest items at the end to finely adjust their standard's total measurement.

The New York Times

He met every Friday morning with Herbert Lord, his budget director, so that the two of them could draw lines through the smallest items.

The New Yorker

Actually, he's in the basement living in a matchbox.This last part of the film finds Mr. Williams dwarfed by the smallest items in the cellar, in the familiar pattern of Mickey Mouse cartoons.

The New York Times

Even the smallest items should be tracked and logged.

Forbes

Each participant's definitions were ranked from small to large on a 1 10 scale, where the smallest items were given a 1 and largest items a 10.

Cognitive Research: Principles and Implications

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the smallest item", ensure the context clearly defines the collection or set from which the item is the smallest. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "the smallest item" when referring to abstract concepts without a quantifiable measure. Instead, opt for more specific descriptors like "the least significant aspect" or "the most minor detail" depending on the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the smallest item" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "smallest" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "item". As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is used to identify a specific object or element that is minimal in size or significance within a defined context.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the smallest item" is a grammatically sound and versatile phrase used to refer to an object or element distinguished by its minimal size or significance. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability across various contexts. While its frequency is uncommon, it appears in a range of authoritative sources, including news media and general reference materials. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly defines the collection from which the item is the smallest. For alternatives, consider options like "the tiniest object" or "the least significant element", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the tiniest object

Focuses on physical size, emphasizing extreme smallness.

the most minute detail

Highlights a very small detail that is often overlooked.

the least significant element

Shifts the focus from size to importance or impact.

the minimal component

Emphasizes that it's a necessary but very small part of a larger whole.

the pettiest concern

Highlights a minor or trivial issue.

the most negligible aspect

Emphasizes how unimportant or insignificant the aspect is.

the most diminutive article

Focuses on a very small object.

the most trivial matter

Highlights the lack of importance of the subject.

the most marginal element

Indicates that the element is barely significant or effective.

the most understated feature

Focuses on something that is small and subtle.

FAQs

How can I use "the smallest item" in a sentence?

You can use "the smallest item" to refer to the object with the least physical size or significance within a group. For example, "Among all the tools, the smallest item was a tiny screwdriver."

What's a good alternative to "the smallest item"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "the tiniest object", "the most minute detail", or "the least significant element".

Is "the smallest item" formal or informal language?

"The smallest item" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the surrounding language and the setting.

What is the difference between "the smallest item" and "the least important item"?

"The smallest item" typically refers to physical size, while "the least important item" refers to significance or value. While an item can be both the smallest and least important, the phrases are not interchangeable in all contexts.