a series of small

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a series of small" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing multiple small items, actions, or events that are grouped together. Example: "The project was completed through a series of small steps that gradually led to the final outcome."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Well, a series of small strokes.

The New Yorker

A series of small miracles happened.

The Washington Post

Our meal is a series of small thrills.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

This is one of a series of small harassments".

The New York Times

Rather, it has been a series of small dribbles.

The New York Times - Sports

The cover displayed a series of small photographs of Khrushchev.

The New York Times

Each listing features a series of small enlightening essays.

The New York Times - Books

Her life has become a series of small sacrifices.

The New York Times

His campaign recently held a series of small economic forums.

The New York Times

Step three: Envision yourself taking a series of small, manageable steps successfully to correct the negativity.

Stanford University

In this model, a series of small earthquakes wouldn't necessarily predict a major quake.

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing incremental progress or iterative processes, using "a series of small" helps convey the idea that cumulative effect comes from multiple minor actions.

Common error

While versatile, overusing "a series of small" in formal writing can make the text sound repetitive. Vary your language by incorporating synonyms or rephrasing sentences for a more polished effect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a series of small" functions as a determiner followed by a noun, modifying another noun to indicate that there are multiple instances of something, and that these instances are of limited size or significance. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage across many contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a series of small" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that describes multiple, minor occurrences or elements, as validated by Ludwig AI. It is most commonly found in News & Media and Academic contexts, with a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal communication. While versatile, varying your language and avoiding overuse is recommended in formal writing. Consider alternatives like "a number of small" or "several small" to enhance clarity and style. Using the phrase in describing incremental progress or iterative processes conveys the idea that the cumulative effect comes from multiple minor actions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a succession of small

Similar to "series", but with a stronger sense of following one after another.

a sequence of small

Stresses the ordered arrangement of small items or events.

a number of small

Replaces "series" with "number", focusing on quantity rather than sequence.

a chain of small

Suggests interconnectedness between the small items or events.

a collection of small

Emphasizes the gathering or accumulation of small items.

a string of small

Implies a connected or linked sequence of small occurrences.

several small

A more concise way of indicating multiple small items.

a cluster of small

Focuses on the grouping of small items in close proximity.

various small

Highlights the diversity within the small items.

an array of small

Suggests a visually organized display of small items.

FAQs

How can I use "a series of small" in a sentence?

Use "a series of small" to describe multiple minor events, items, or actions that occur one after another or are related. For example, "The company implemented "a series of small changes" to improve efficiency".

What can I say instead of "a series of small"?

You can use alternatives like "a number of small", "several small", or "various small" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "a series of small" or "many small"?

The choice depends on the context. "A series of small" emphasizes a sequence or connection between the items, while "many small" simply indicates a large quantity. "The project involved "a series of small steps"" highlights the process, while "many small errors" emphasizes the quantity of errors.

What's the difference between "a series of small" and "a set of small"?

"A series of small" implies a sequence or succession, whereas "a set of small" suggests a collection or group. Use "a series of small tests" when describing tests done sequentially, and "a set of small tools" when describing a collection of tools.