a small chunk

USAGE SUMMARY

"a small chunk" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a small piece or portion of something. For example, "I only have time to read a small chunk of this book each night."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Some central banks already hold a small chunk of their countries' foreign-exchange reserves in yuan.

The Economist

Pyramid ownership structures enable a small chunk of capital to exert a large degree of control.

The Economist

But exports count for only a small chunk of the economy.

The Economist

A few months later, he received a small chunk of the Neanderthal's right humerus.

The New Yorker

That morning, he'd been in meetings about a redo for a small chunk of lakefront.

The New Yorker

That, however, was only a small chunk out of the night.

The Guardian - Sport

Mr. Cheng explained that the internet took only a small chunk of retail sales in Asia.

The New York Times

Burson bought a small chunk of it, but it did not make it to Tennessee for her family to taste.

The New Yorker

That is a small chunk of the economy: only 15% of the workforce, and 9% of the private-sector workforce.

The Economist

Is all this worth a small chunk of farmland made less important by Mr Assad's massive irrigation projects?

The Economist

And only a small chunk of a typical person's investments will have been made before the run-up.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a small chunk" to describe a manageable or insignificant portion of something larger, whether it's time, money, or a physical object. This helps create a sense of scale and manageability for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "a small chunk" when referring to something inherently large or indivisible, as it can create a confusing or contradictory image. Instead, choose a more appropriate descriptor like "portion" or "segment".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a small chunk" functions as a noun phrase, acting as a determiner followed by a noun. As supported by Ludwig AI, it designates a limited or reduced portion of something, be it tangible or intangible, as can be seen in examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a small chunk" is a versatile phrase used to denote a limited or reduced portion of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely applicable across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While it maintains a neutral tone, it is crucial to consider the scale and context to avoid confusion, ensuring it accurately reflects the limited nature of the specified portion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a small piece

Focuses on the physical aspect of being a fragment or part of something tangible.

a small portion

Emphasizes the idea of a measured or allocated amount, often used in the context of food or resources.

a tiny fraction

Highlights the insignificance or minimal nature of the amount being referred to.

a limited segment

Suggests a specific and defined part of a larger whole, often in a figurative sense.

a slight share

Indicates a small part of ownership or distribution, often in financial or economic contexts.

a modest amount

Conveys the idea of a reasonable and not excessive quantity, often used to downplay the size.

a reduced allocation

Implies a deliberate decrease in the amount assigned or designated for something.

a miniature section

Highlights the small size and defined boundaries of the part being considered.

a small segment

Focuses on a portion or division of a larger group or quantity.

a touch

Indicates a very small amount, often used in cooking or to describe a subtle addition.

FAQs

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

You can use "a small chunk" to describe a limited portion of something, for example: "I read "a small chunk" of the book before bed" or "He dedicated "a small chunk" of his savings to the project".

What are some alternatives to "a small chunk"?

Alternatives to "a small chunk" include "a small piece", "a small portion", or "a tiny fraction" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "a little chunk" instead of "a small chunk"?

Yes, "a little chunk" is also correct and conveys a similar meaning, but "a small chunk" is slightly more formal and common in written English.

What's the difference between "a small chunk" and "a large chunk"?

"A small chunk" refers to a limited or insignificant portion, while "a large chunk" indicates a substantial or significant portion of something.