was a small note

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was a small note" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a brief written message or reminder that is not large in size or significance. Example: "On the table, there was a small note reminding me of the meeting time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Sitting inside the safe was a small note that said, in simple handwriting, "I was raped".

The New York Times

But in yesterday's so-called beauty contest in the Golden State, there was a small note of warning.

The New York Times

The most common sign for the appoggiatura was a small note indicating the precise pitch of the ornament but only implying by relative size its duration, which depended largely upon the context and was governed by broadly acknowledged conventions.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

While Google provided the technology to digitize the Dead Sea Scrolls and is host to the pages on its servers, for example, the only reference to the company is a small note that the site is "powered by Google".

The New York Times - Tech

This is a small note but it makes it clear that Harry has a certain sense of humor and way of speaking as a character.[18].[18]

WikiHow

The latest product rumored to join ranks under the Galaxy moniker is a smaller Note tablet, likely meant to compete with the iPad mini, Kindle Fire HD, etc.

TechCrunch

"Ideally, this reform would go through Congress, but their best idea was including a small note with every gun that reads, 'Please don't use for bad stuff.' " January 6 , 2016

The New Yorker

Sinosauropteryx was a small bipedal theropod, noted for its short arms, large first finger (thumbs), and long tail.

Wikipedia

On examination, the only finding of note was a small tear and some blood at the vaginal vault.

Gynecological Surgery

There was a small amount of purulent discharge noted from his medial canthus.

International Journal of Emergency Medicine

The postulated mechanism was a small area of zonular dehiscence not noted during surgery.

BMJ Open

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was a small note" to introduce a brief, often secondary piece of information, especially when it's written or recorded. The phrase is suitable for setting a tone of casual observation.

Common error

While "was a small note" is acceptable, frequent use can make writing seem less sophisticated. In formal contexts, replace it with stronger verbs or more precise nouns like 'detailed', 'indicated', or 'specified'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was a small note" primarily functions as a descriptive element in a sentence, often setting the stage for introducing a piece of minor or secondary information. It introduces a detail, as Ludwig AI points out, usually of a written or recorded nature.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

31%

Wiki

19%

Science

19%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was a small note" serves as a descriptive introductory element to a minor written piece of information. It's grammatically correct and generally acceptable, as Ludwig AI confirms. Its usage spans various contexts, from news and media to encyclopedias, though it is most frequently found in news articles. While acceptable in various contexts, remember that stronger verbs and more precise nouns may lend sophistication to formal writing. Remember to adapt your language based on the intended audience and context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

contained a brief message

Focuses on the content being a message and brief, rather than a "note".

included a short remark

Replaces 'note' with 'remark', emphasizing a comment or statement of limited length.

featured a concise annotation

Uses 'annotation' instead of 'note', highlighting a brief explanatory or critical comment.

had a minor notation

Employs 'notation', stressing the act of noting something down briefly.

there was a brief comment

Swaps out 'note' for 'comment', indicating a short expression of opinion or information.

displayed a minimal inscription

Replaces 'note' with 'inscription', suggesting something written or engraved, but in a small form.

presented a succinct observation

Uses 'observation', indicating a remark based on something seen, heard, or noticed, in a succinct manner.

showed a tiny memo

Employs 'memo', highlighting a brief record or reminder, but emphasizing its small size.

carried a diminutive message

Replaces 'note' with 'message', focusing on the communication aspect and its diminutive size.

bore a slight indication

Uses 'indication', stressing a sign or piece of information, in a slight or subtle way.

FAQs

How can I use "was a small note" in a sentence?

You can use "was a small note" to introduce a minor piece of written information. For example, "On the desk, there "was a small note" reminding me to buy milk."

What are some alternatives to "was a small note"?

Alternatives include "contained a brief message", "included a short remark", or "featured a concise annotation", depending on the context.

Is "was a small note" too informal for academic writing?

While not strictly incorrect, "was a small note" might be considered too informal for some academic contexts. Consider stronger verbs and nouns for a more professional tone.

What is the difference between "was a small note" and "contained a brief message"?

"Was a small note" emphasizes the physical aspect of a written note, whereas "contained a brief message" focuses on the content being communicated. The choice depends on whether you want to highlight the object or the information.