a little share

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a little share" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a small portion or amount of something that is being distributed or shared. Example: "I would like to contribute a little share of my earnings to the charity this month."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

He said the campaign created "a little share shift from Delta".

The New York Times

But for now it was about offering blacks a little share of the good life, not actual power.

The New York Times - Magazine

Scott said he felt he owes Norman, who was runner-up at Augusta three times, at least a little share of his win.

The Guardian - Sport

Many supporters of the commune jumped at the chance to "buy a little share of freedom", more than 12.5m kroner was raised, a mortgage was secured and Christiania was saved.

The Guardian

The same incumbents have been serving a more than $10 billion market for decades, and a few startups are stepping up to try to steal a little share from companies like Avis and Enterprise.

TechCrunch

Meanwhile, possible rivals for the 2016 Democratic nomination sought ways to get a little share of the spotlight.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

In the year before their truly unexpected wedding, my father actually left, moving out for months into a room in a little shared house 10 minutes away.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

You can even create a little "sharing room" where you and your buddies go to project images on the screen in front of you.

TechCrunch

In other words, as others entered the market, Dove had increased sales and lost little share, a far better record than Olay's.

The New York Times

Android had little share over a year.

The New York Times

Mr. Holden said the company had decided that it was better to lose a little market share than to keep increasing incentives.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing market share or equity, use "a little share" to downplay the amount to soften potential negative reactions or highlight the potential for growth.

Common error

Avoid using "a little share" when the amount is actually significant. This can mislead your audience and undermine your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a little share" primarily functions as a noun phrase, acting as the object of a verb or preposition. Ludwig's examples show it describing a small portion of something, like market share or workload.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a little share" is a noun phrase denoting a small portion or amount. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and commonly used, particularly in news and media. The phrase serves to downplay quantity or express modesty. Alternatives include "a small portion" or "a modest contribution". When using the phrase, be mindful of potentially overstating the importance of the share and choose more appropriate terminology when precision is necessary. Its neutral register makes it versatile across various contexts, though specific domains like formal writing may require more precise terms.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a small portion

Emphasizes the diminutive size of the share.

a tiny fraction

Highlights the insignificance of the share.

a modest contribution

Focuses on the act of contributing a small amount.

a slight part

Indicates a minimal segment of the whole.

a limited piece

Suggests a restricted or finite portion.

a fractional amount

Highlights the numerical aspect of the share being less than one.

a minimal cut

Implies receiving the smallest possible share.

a trifling bit

Emphasizes the unimportance of the share.

a soupçon

Uses a French loanword to denote a very small quantity or share.

a nominal percentage

Highlights that the percentage share is very low and mostly symbolic.

FAQs

How can I use "a little share" in a sentence?

You can use "a little share" to describe a small portion or amount, such as "The company managed to gain "a little share" of the market this quarter".

What are some alternatives to "a little share"?

Alternatives include "a small portion", "a tiny fraction", or "a modest contribution", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "a little share" in formal writing?

Yes, "a little share" is generally acceptable in formal writing, but consider whether a more precise term might be more appropriate for clarity. Alternatives could be "a limited piece" or "a fractional amount".

How does "a little share" differ from "a fair share"?

"A little share" implies a small amount, while "a fair share" suggests an equitable or just portion. The choice depends on whether you are emphasizing quantity or fairness.