will be small

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "will be small" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is expected to be of a small size or amount in the future. Example: "The final output of the project will be small, but it will have a significant impact."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The rest will be small ball.

The Economist

Initially, the numbers produced will be small.

The Guardian - Tech

"There will be small rewards.

The New York Times

But they will be small.

The Guardian

There will be small chunks of potato.

The New York Times - Food

But the effect will be small.

The Guardian - Opinion

The initial group will be small – just 14 participants.

The Guardian

I want to go, even though it will be small.

The Guardian

That will be small consolation for the distraught Chinese public.

The Guardian - Sport

There will be small ethnic and confessional states," he said.

The New Yorker

The first ninth-grade class will be small.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "will be small", ensure the context clearly defines what 'small' refers to: size, impact, quantity, or importance. This prevents ambiguity and strengthens the communication.

Common error

Avoid immediately contradicting the idea of something being "small" by then attributing significant importance or impact to it. If something is genuinely impactful, consider using a different descriptor than "small".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "will be small" functions as a predicate adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate a future state of being limited in size, scope, or degree. As evidenced by Ludwig, this phrase commonly appears in diverse contexts, providing a straightforward assessment of future quantity or scale.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

39%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "will be small" is a versatile and commonly used expression that accurately describes future limitations in size, scope, or impact. Grammatically correct, it functions as a predicate adjective phrase. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for both formal and informal contexts and is particularly prevalent in news, science, and academic writing. When deploying this phrase, ensure the context clearly defines what 'small' entails and avoid immediately contradicting its message by attributing undue significance to the subject. By considering appropriate alternatives and avoiding common pitfalls, writers can effectively communicate intended limitations and avoid potential misinterpretations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

will not be large

Uses a negative construction to convey a similar meaning.

will be limited

Emphasizes a restriction in scope or quantity.

will be insignificant

Highlights the lack of importance or consequence.

will be minimal

Stresses the least possible amount or degree.

will be negligible

Indicates that something is so small it can be disregarded.

will remain contained

Focuses on keeping something within specific boundaries or limits.

will be modest

Suggests humility and a lack of excess.

will not be extensive

Indicates that something will not cover a wide area or range.

will be curtailed

Implies a reduction or restriction, often by external forces.

will be minute

Emphasizes extreme smallness.

FAQs

How can I use "will be small" in a sentence?

Use "will be small" to describe a future state where something is limited in size, scope, or impact. For example, "The initial investment "will be small", but the potential returns are significant."

What are some alternatives to saying "will be small"?

Consider using alternatives like "will be limited", "will be minimal", or "will be negligible" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "will be small" in formal writing?

Yes, "will be small" is perfectly acceptable in formal writing. However, ensure the term aligns with the specific context and the intended meaning of the sentence. A synonym such as "will be modest" may, at times, fit better within formal writing contexts.

What's the difference between "will be small" and "is small"?

"Is small" describes a current state, while "will be small" describes a future expectation. For example, "The sample size is small" refers to the current sample, whereas "The sample size "will be small"" anticipates a small sample size in the future.