A small number of boxes

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "A small number of boxes" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a limited quantity of boxes in various contexts, such as inventory, shipping, or storage. Example: "We received a small number of boxes containing the new supplies for the office."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

It is no surprise that the vaults were empty and only a small number of boxes were found, because only a fraction of the manuscripts had been moved from the old to the new building before the Islamists took over the city, Molins-Lliteras says.

Science Magazine

Ex Motif terminates computation only for a small number of boxes and, under this circumstance, it is faster than SISMA only when boxes have small length and/or small number of admitted substitutions.

Algorithms for Molecular Biology

Running times and differences in running times are really small, meaning that this instance of the problem is not really challenging for any of the tools: SISMA deals with a small number of simple/structured motifs; Risotto drastically reduces the search space starting form the second box on; Ex Motif deals with a small number of boxes and allowed substitutions.

Algorithms for Molecular Biology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

He advocates that customers switch from using a "small number of large boxes to a large number of small boxes".

Forbes

Only a small number of the burial boxes were inscribed, and they usually belonged to prominent people.

The New York Times

The tests performed show that, when Risotto is faster than SISMA, one or both of the following conditions occur: (1) boxes have small size search spaces and a small number of simple motifs, (2) boxes with large size search spaces occur near the end (large box index) of the structured motifs.

Algorithms for Molecular Biology

Maquettes with a small number of cutouts in plexiglass boxes in a side gallery allow for close viewing, although absent the installation's sheer numbers they feel like boxed-set souvenirs.

Los Angeles Times

Typically, we observe that it is the FG residues (pink boxes), but not intervening spacer residues (no boxes), that attenuate upon binding to the transport factor Kap95; however, there are four FG repeats that are minimally attenuated (blue boxes), and a small number of spacer residues that are attenuated (purple boxes).

eLife

The small number of boxes at the Academy was at the heart of the problem: Belmont could not satisfy the clamor of wealthy New Yorkers for additional boxes.

The New York Times

Risotto is usually more competitive for small number of boxes (up to six), but turns significantly less competitive as the number of boxes increases.

Algorithms for Molecular Biology

On the other hand, SISMA_ Smile was almost as good as Risotto for small number of boxes while it handled larger problem instances definitively better.

Algorithms for Molecular Biology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When you want to emphasize the limited nature of the quantity, use "a small number of boxes" to clearly convey that the amount is not substantial.

Common error

Avoid using "a small number of boxes" when the actual number is significantly larger than what would be considered 'small'. Choose a more appropriate descriptor if the quantity is substantial.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a small number of boxes" acts as a determiner phrase functioning as a pre-modifier of the noun "boxes". It indicates the quantity of the noun it modifies. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and suitable for use in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Academia

33%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a small number of boxes" is a grammatically sound and versatile phrase used to denote a limited quantity of boxes. As Ludwig AI points out, it's appropriate in various writing contexts, ranging from scientific papers to news articles. It is most frequently found in scientific, news, and academic contexts, demonstrating its broad applicability. While alternatives like "few boxes" exist, the choice depends on the desired level of formality and emphasis. By understanding its proper usage and potential pitfalls, writers can effectively convey the intended meaning. With a solid expert rating, its use showcases clear and precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

few boxes

Uses a simpler term, 'few', to indicate a limited quantity.

only a few boxes

Adds emphasis on the restricted number of boxes.

a handful of boxes

Emphasizes the limited quantity by using the analogy of what can be held in a hand.

a limited quantity of boxes

More formal and explicitly states the limitation in quantity.

a restricted number of boxes

Similar to 'limited quantity' but emphasizes restriction.

not many boxes

Uses a negation to indicate a low quantity.

a modest number of boxes

Suggests the number of boxes is not particularly large or impressive.

a scarce number of boxes

Suggests the boxes are not only few but also difficult to obtain.

a trickle of boxes

Conveys that boxes arrive in a slow, inconsistent way.

several boxes, but not many

Highlights that there are multiple boxes, yet the number remains constrained.

FAQs

How can I use "a small number of boxes" in a sentence?

You can use "a small number of boxes" to describe a limited quantity of containers. For example: "We received "a small number of boxes" containing new inventory."

What are some alternatives to "a small number of boxes"?

Alternatives include "few boxes", "a handful of boxes", or "a limited quantity of boxes". The best choice depends on the context.

Is it more appropriate to say "a small number of boxes" or "few boxes"?

Both phrases are acceptable, but ""a small number of boxes"" is slightly more formal. "Few boxes" is more concise and common in everyday speech.

When should I use "a limited number of boxes" instead of "a small number of boxes"?

"A limited number of boxes" emphasizes that the quantity is intentionally restricted, whereas ""a small number of boxes"" simply states that the quantity is not large.