very small

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "very small" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe how small or little something is. For example: The house was very small compared to the other homes in the neighborhood.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Very small.

University of California, Berkeley

Very small and packable.

The New York Times - Travel

That is very small".

The New York Times

Sometimes very small visitors.

The New York Times - Arts

They are very small.

Independent

Sally: Very small.

The New York Times

A very small college.

The New Yorker

It's something very small".

The New York Times

Very small account.

The New York Times - Sports

I was very small.

Independent

"Firms are very small.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "very small", consider whether a more precise adjective (e.g., "tiny", "minute", "petite") would provide a clearer and more vivid description for your readers. For example, instead of "a very small amount", use "a trace amount."

Common error

Avoid relying solely on "very small" to express size. Overusing "very" can weaken your writing. Explore more descriptive and nuanced vocabulary to convey the degree of smallness, creating a more impactful image for the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "very small" functions primarily as a descriptive adjective phrase, modifying nouns to indicate a significant degree of smallness. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in describing physical size, quantity, and even abstract concepts like market share or advantage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Wiki

19%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "very small" is a versatile adjective phrase used to describe something significantly below average in size or quantity. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Wiki sources. While widely accepted, writers are encouraged to consider more precise alternatives to enhance clarity and impact. Over reliance on the term can diminish writing quality by diluting the descriptive power. When aiming for precision and vividness, opt for stronger, more specific adjectives like "tiny", "minuscule", or "petite" depending on the intended nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extremely tiny

Emphasizes diminutive size to an extreme degree.

incredibly minute

Highlights the near-imperceptible scale of something.

remarkably petite

Focuses on the daintiness and elegance of smallness.

considerably reduced

Indicates a significant decrease in size or quantity.

substantially limited

Implies a noteworthy restriction in scope or extent.

noticeably compact

Stresses the space-saving aspect of a small object or area.

appreciably miniature

Emphasizes the likeness to something smaller than the usual.

significantly less

Indicates a marked difference in amount or degree.

largely insignificant

Shifts the focus to the lack of importance or consequence.

barely measurable

Suggests a quantity so small it's difficult to quantify.

FAQs

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

"Very small" is used to describe something that is significantly below average in size. For example, "The apartment was "very small", consisting of only one room."

What can I say instead of "very small"?

You can use alternatives like "tiny", "minute", "petite", or "minuscule" depending on the specific context and the degree of smallness you want to convey.

Which is correct, "very small" or "extremely small"?

Both ""very small"" and "extremely small" are grammatically correct. "Extremely small" implies a higher degree of smallness than "very small".

What's the difference between "small" and "very small"?

"Small" indicates that something is below average in size. "Very small" emphasizes that the size is significantly below average, intensifying the degree of smallness.