a small assortment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a small assortment" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a limited variety or selection of items or options available. Example: "The store offers a small assortment of organic snacks for health-conscious customers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

In addition, the centre sold a small assortment of handicrafts and literature.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Secrets belong to a small assortment of individuals, and inevitably become hostage to private agendas.

The New Yorker

Scones, chocolate-dipped fruit, cake and a small assortment of teas complete the spread.

The New York Times

Attached to the billboard was a small assortment of funky chairs.

The New York Times

Hot chocolates, coffee, tea and a small assortment of gift boxes are also available.

The New York Times

Therefore, the 80/20 rule applies: most of the revenue comes from a small assortment of books.

The Guardian - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

They will then be satisfied by a smaller assortment from which to choose.

Harvard Business Review

But when seeking to meet a utilitarian need with the same product, they will be satisfied by a smaller assortment from which to choose.

Harvard Business Review

As befits a city that looks out into the world over the shoulder of the Statue of Liberty, Jersey City is encyclopedically diverse: almost equal numbers of whites, blacks and Hispanics, and a smaller assortment of residents whose roots are in Asia and the Middle East.

The New York Times

He said Delaware voters wanted a Republican to balance the small assortment of elected national-level politicians from the state.

The New York Times

Then I realize a (small) sushi assortment is the way to go: eight pieces, including a few credible pieces of kappa maki, the rice rolls stuffed with cucumber, and a tiny heap of ginger, add up to $100.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing available options or items, use "a small assortment" to accurately convey that the variety is limited but still present.

Common error

Avoid using "a small assortment" when there is truly only one or two items available. In such cases, it is more accurate to describe it as "a limited selection" or simply state the specific item.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a small assortment" functions as a noun phrase acting as a determiner to describe a collection or variety of items. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely applicable. Examples in Ludwig illustrate its use in describing selections of goods, artistic works, or even abstract concepts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a small assortment" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to indicate a limited variety or selection of items. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's appropriate for various contexts, particularly in news and media. While alternatives like "a limited selection" or "a modest collection" exist, the best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Remember that its use is most effective when there is some genuine variety, even if restricted. By steering clear of overstatements and capitalizing on available best practices, you can make good use of "a small assortment".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a small selection

Uses a synonym for "assortment" with a near identical meaning.

a limited selection

Focuses on the restricted number of choices available.

a modest collection

Highlights the unpretentious and limited nature of the group of items.

a handful of items

Emphasizes the fewness of the items available, using a figurative expression.

a restricted range

Indicates a limited scope or variety of options.

a narrow selection

Stresses the limited scope of the available options.

a sparse array

Suggests a thin or scattered arrangement of items.

a limited array

Emphasizes the constraints on the number of items.

a minimal grouping

Emphasizes the small quantity of grouped items.

a token sampling

Implies that the items are representative of a larger set, but only a few are present.

FAQs

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

You can use "a small assortment" to describe a limited variety of items, such as "The shop offered "a small assortment" of cheeses".

What are some alternatives to "a small assortment"?

Alternatives include "a limited selection", "a modest collection", or "a handful of items" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "a small assortment" or "a limited assortment"?

Both "a small assortment" and "a limited assortment" are correct and convey a similar meaning, but "a small assortment" might suggest more variety than "a limited assortment".

When is it inappropriate to use the phrase "a small assortment"?

It's inappropriate to use "a small assortment" if there is only one item available or if the variety is negligible. In those cases, other terms like "single item" or "very limited choice" are more accurate.