What is the Difference Between Small and Little?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The words "small" and "little" are often used to describe something that is not large, but they have different uses and connotations:
- Small:
- Refers to the size or dimensions of an object, focusing on its relative size and physical magnitude or extent.
- Can be used in front of a noun or after a verb like "be".
- Has comparative and superlative forms: smaller and smallest.
- Can be used with grading adverbs like "quite" and "rather".
- Little:
- Suggests a scarcity or insufficiency.
- Primarily used in front of nouns.
- In spoken English, can be used to create comparatives like "littler" and superlatives like "littlest".
- Can be used with other adjectives to express an emotion.
In summary, "small" is generally used to describe the physical size or dimensions of an object, while "little" suggests a scarcity or insufficiency and is more commonly used with other adjectives to express an emotion.
Comparative Table: Small vs Little
The difference between "small" and "little" lies in their usage and connotations. Both words are used to describe something that is not large, but they are used in different contexts and have different meanings:
| Feature | Small | Little |
|---|---|---|
| Position in clause | Can be used in front of a noun or after a verb like "be" | Normally used only in front of nouns |
| Gradable adjectives | Comparative and superlative forms: smaller and smallest | Not usually used with gradable adjectives |
| Use with other adjectives | Can be used with adjectives like "quite" and "rather" | Not normally used with other adjectives |
| Use with grading adverbs | Can be used with adverbs like "very" and "too" | Not usually used with adverbs like "very" or "too" |
For example, small can be used in sentences like "She is small for her age" and "The tiny frog is quite small." On the other hand, "little" is often used in a literal sense, as in "He picked up a little piece of rock".