What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
little
Example
I have a little bit of sugar left. [little: adjective]
Example
The little girl was excited to start school. [little: adjective]
Example
I'll be back in a little while. [little: noun]
tiny
Example
The tiny kitten fit in the palm of my hand. [tiny: adjective]
Example
I only need a tiny amount of salt for this recipe. [tiny: adjective]
Example
The tiny print at the bottom of the page was hard to read. [tiny: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Little is more commonly used than tiny in everyday language. Little is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while tiny is more specific and used in more limited contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between little and tiny?
Both little and tiny are generally informal and can be used in casual conversation. However, little can also be used in more formal contexts, while tiny is less likely to be used in formal writing or speech.
