Small can describe limited size or a limited amount.

The idea

Put small before a noun, as in a small flat, or after be, as in the bag is small. Compare two sizes with smaller than. For an uncountable substance say a small amount of water.

Examples

  • They live in a small flat.
  • This bag is small but useful.
  • The blue box is smaller than the red one.
  • We need a small amount of water.
  • She has a small garden.
  • Is there a smaller size?

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Watch out

Do not add more to the standard comparative smaller. Use amount of with uncountable water.

Try it yourself

  1. Choose the base adjective, with no comparison. They live in a ___ flat. (small / smaller)

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    small

    small describes the flat before the noun.

  2. Compare the two sizes. The blue box is ___ than the red one. (smaller / small)

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    smaller

    smaller compares the two boxes.

  3. Choose the measure used with uncountable water. We need a small ___ of water. (amount / number)

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    amount

    amount measures uncountable water.

Use it today

Describe a small object and ask whether a smaller size is available.