* Small stones: This emphasizes the size of the stones, implying they are relatively small but still whole.
* Fragments of stones: This emphasizes the condition of the stones, implying they are broken pieces of larger stones.
Here are some examples to illustrate the difference:
* "The path was covered in small stones." This suggests that the path was covered with many small stones that were whole and unbroken.
* "The archaeologist found fragments of stones near the ancient ruins." This suggests that the stones were broken into smaller pieces, possibly due to age or damage.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on the specific context and what you want to emphasize.