a small assortment of

USAGE SUMMARY

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

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 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

40 human-written examples

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

But for all its focused heat — and its small assortment of guests, including Robert Plant — the album could only ever be an approximation of the band's live show.

The New York Times - Arts

Just us in our rented station wagon, stuffed with our small assortment of belongings, our sole focus nothing more than living through the experience of each day.

Huffington Post

Old distribution centers, built to ship pallets loaded with the same items to a finite number of stores, are ill-equipped to send small assortments of items to an infinite number of dispersed customers.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a small assortment of", ensure the context clearly indicates the limited quantity or variety being described. This phrase is suitable when you want to downplay the abundance or scope of options.

Common error

Avoid using "a small assortment of" if the actual variety is substantial. This phrase is meant to indicate a limited selection, so using it when there are many options would be misleading.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a small assortment of" functions as a determiner phrase modifying a noun. It specifies the quantity and nature of the assortment, indicating that it is limited in size and variety. Ludwig confirms its correct grammatical usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a small assortment of" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a limited selection of items. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable when you want to convey that the variety or quantity is not extensive. While it appears most frequently in news and media contexts, you should be mindful of overstating the variety when using this phrase. Consider alternatives like "a limited selection of" or "a few varieties of" to fine-tune your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a limited selection of

Emphasizes the restricted nature of the choice available.

a few varieties of

Highlights the existence of multiple types, but in a small quantity.

a narrow range of

Focuses on the limited scope of the options.

a restricted number of

Stresses the small quantity or count.

a modest collection of

Implies a humble or unassuming gathering of items.

a handful of

Uses a more informal and visual metaphor for a small quantity.

a smattering of

Suggests a sparse and scattered distribution.

a limited quantity of

Directly addresses the small amount available.

a curated selection of

Emphasizes the careful choice and presentation of a few items.

a token assortment of

Indicates a symbolic or minimal representation.

FAQs

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

You can use "a small assortment of" to describe a limited selection of items, like: "The gift shop offered "a small assortment of" souvenirs".

What are some alternatives to "a small assortment of"?

Alternatives include "a limited selection of", "a few varieties of", or "a narrow range of", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

Both phrases are grammatically correct and have similar meanings. "A limited assortment of" emphasizes the restriction in choice, while "a small assortment of" focuses on the quantity.

What's the difference between "a small assortment of" and "a wide variety of"?

"A small assortment of" suggests a limited selection, whereas "a wide variety of" implies a diverse and extensive range of options.