a presumably small

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a presumably small" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to indicate that something is likely small, but you are not certain about it. Example: "The project will require a presumably small budget, given the limited scope of work involved."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

To further entice bloggers, The BPMN is offering a (presumably small) equity stake in the company to early adopters on the network who sign up by the end of the year.

TechCrunch

Although men with prior BPH surgery were not eligible for this analysis and we found no association between current BPH treatment with Mg or Ca, we cannot eliminate the possibility that a presumably small number of past finasteride user affected our results.

Plosone

Nonetheless, it is unlikely that identification of a presumably small number of undiscovered control subjects with cutaneous melanoma would significantly change the conclusions of the present study.

BMC Cancer

It is possible that these screens failed to identify all GroEL clients in the E. coli proteome; however, we do not think that a (presumably small) proportion of unclassified clients among our set of nonclient proteins will have a serious effect on the analyses reported below if anything, they ought to make the results more conservative.

Genome Biology and Evolution

The low level of biosafety and biosecurity measures could result in escape of FMDV as happened in the 2007 UK FMD outbreak [ 52], and it may be speculated that a (presumably small) proportion of the outbreaks in Eastern Africa may be due to poor laboratory biocontainment.

BMC Veterinary Research

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

The latest resolution, passed on July 27, also looks forward to phasing out Unifil and replacing it with a presumably smaller group of observers.

The New York Times

Given that everyone is concerned about budget cuts at the BBC, how will you and your staff at the Proms cope with a presumably smaller source of funds for the next few years?

The Guardian - Music

Higher estimates in the subgroup of men with a presumably smaller exposure estimation error support our findings.

Environmental Health Perspectives

One casually dressed elderly woman reeking of well-heeled propriety (and who, in keeping with old-school notions of propriety, refused to give her name) sniffed at the majority of the Taylor jewels, describing them as "too big and gaudy," adding that she had put in a bid for just a single piece, presumably small and un-gaudy, in one of the daytime auctions.

The New York Times

Finally, they are compatible with the idea of host adaptation to local strains of a parasite with presumably small population size and low dispersing capacity.

Animal Behaviour

"This load of 135 tons would be in the right ballpark for a large aircraft, or presumably, small space craft," ends this section of Jones' report.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a presumably small" when you want to convey that something is likely small based on available information, but you lack definitive proof. It's useful for hedging claims and avoiding overstatement.

Common error

Avoid using "a presumably small" when the size is already known or easily verifiable. Using 'presumably' in such cases can sound redundant or even condescending. Instead, state the size directly or use a more appropriate qualifier.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a presumably small" functions as an adjectival phrase that modifies a noun, indicating an estimated or assumed size. It suggests that the speaker believes something is small but lacks definitive proof. Ludwig AI confirms this usage.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a presumably small" serves to modify nouns by indicating an estimated or assumed small size. It is grammatically correct and usable in written English, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It is most frequently found in scientific and news contexts to express an assumption while acknowledging uncertainty. While similar phrases exist, such as "a likely small" or "a seemingly small", this particular phrase should be used when there's a reasonable basis for the assumption, but definitive proof is lacking.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a likely small

Replaces "presumably" with "likely", suggesting a high degree of probability but without absolute certainty.

a probably small

Substitutes "presumably" with "probably", indicating a strong but not guaranteed likelihood.

an apparently small

Replaces "presumably" with "apparently", focusing on the outward appearance of being small.

a seemingly small

Similar to "apparently small", but emphasizes the impression given.

a supposedly small

Suggests the small size is based on hearsay or assumption, potentially with doubt.

a reputedly small

Indicates the small size is based on reputation or widespread belief.

a purportedly small

Similar to "supposedly", implying the small size is alleged but may not be true.

a smaller, it is assumed

Breaks the phrase to express the assumption in a more explicit way, adding emphasis.

an estimated small

Indicates the size is small based on estimation, adding a quantitative element.

a notionally small

Refers to the small size that exists only in theory or as an idea.

FAQs

How can I use "a presumably small" in a sentence?

You can use "a presumably small" to indicate that something is likely small based on the available information, but you are not entirely certain. For example: "The project will require "a presumably small budget", given the limited scope of work involved."

What are some alternatives to "a presumably small"?

You can use alternatives like "a likely small", "a probably small", or "a seemingly small" depending on the context and the degree of certainty you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "a presumably small"?

It's appropriate to use "a presumably small" when you have reason to believe something is small, but you don't have concrete evidence. It adds a degree of uncertainty and indicates that your statement is based on an assumption.

Is there a difference between "a presumably small" and "a supposedly small"?

"A presumably small" suggests a reasonable assumption based on available information. "A supposedly small", on the other hand, implies that the small size is alleged or based on hearsay, potentially with doubt.