I heard a friends say that he's going to take a small nap. Is this correct usage? I thought we only take light naps.
Learn English – Do I take a small nap or a light nap
adjectivescollocationnounsword-choice
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The OED’s definition 34a of take is:
To receive, get (something given, bestowed, or administered); to have conferred upon one (spec. a sacrament, office, order of merit, degree, etc.)
That confirms my first thought that you can only take a degree once you have earned it. Before you reach that stage you have to study for a degree or, much less formally, do a degree. In British universities you can read for a degree, but that has a rather stiff sound to it these days.
The industry appears to refer to them as both tubs and cups, often combined with the adjectival phrase portion control. Examples:
- http://www.cw-usa.com/coffee-international-delight-hazelnut-creamer-cup.html
- http://www.roundeyesupply.com/Nestle-Coffee-Mate-Regular-Liquid-Creamer-Portion-p/de356761.htm
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Best Answer
'Small' doesn't make sense here because the adjective referring to the length of time (duration) of a nap. Small is more of a descriptor for the overall size of something rather than length in particular (such as the saying, "it's a small world").
'Short' is better because it is an adjectives used to describe length (of time or of objects). You might say "that was a short drive" or "the dog is playing with a short stick."
'Quick' is also appropriate here because it is used to describe duration (length of time), such as "it was a quick meeting."
A 'light' nap is also correct, but it is not referring to the length of the nap. It is instead is stating that the nap does not involve a deep sleep, and typically that implies a shorter nap.
Edit: saying "light nap" is similar to "light snack". Snacks are smaller than a meal, but adding the modifier 'light' implies it's a smaller snack than usual, possibly with healthier or less filling food. A light nap might be 5 minutes of just closing your eyes and breathing deeply, barely even sleeping, as opposed to a 2-hour nap where you likely reach deep stages of sleep.