a small consultation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a small consultation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a brief meeting or discussion to seek advice or information on a specific topic. Example: "Before making a final decision, I would like to schedule a small consultation with the expert."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Although she was paid a small consultation fee, Mistress Kaya said her main motivation for helping the "Trust" cast members was to make sure that the S&M world was portrayed onstage accurately and sympathetically.

The New York Times

Health care was officially free for all legal residents, except for a small consultation fee.

BMC Health Services Research

Finally, a small consultation exercise with two COC researchers and one service user researcher led to final revisions.

BMC Health Services Research

While all providers charge for treatment, spiritual healing and informal treatment were associated with greater economic flexibility in terms of credit, payment in kind and for some herbalists a small consultation fee is requested while a larger sum is only requested upon recovery.

BMC Health Services Research

A small consultation fee of $50 or less isn't a bad thing, and can give you assurance that the attorney is adequately evaluating your case.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

In England some local doctors think a similar small consultation fee might be a good idea too.

The Economist

All patients paid small consultation fees.

BMC Health Services Research

Medicine does not have to be 2 × 2 = 4. Medicine is something else, isn't it?... (W2) - But then there are many small consultations for which we don't have guidelines!

BMC Family Practice

Besides taking a small percentage of consultation sales, the startup is also monetizing through affiliate partnerships in which third parties host Evisors widgets to showcase experts relevant to their audiences.

TechCrunch

The other studyw27 showed a small increase in consultation length (0.24, −0.05 to 0.43) and little effect on patient satisfaction (0.03, −0.16 to 0.22).

British Medical Journal

However, there was a small increase in consultations with general practitioners and nurses.

British Medical Journal

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a small consultation", clarify what 'small' refers to—brevity, scope, or participant number—to avoid ambiguity. For instance, specify 'a small consultation regarding budget allocation' or 'a small, 15-minute consultation'.

Common error

Avoid using "a small consultation" when the consultation involves significant depth or a wide range of topics. Instead, opt for terms like "preliminary assessment" or "initial review" if the consultation is just the starting point.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a small consultation" functions as a noun phrase, where "small" modifies the noun "consultation". It indicates the consultation is limited in scope, time, or importance. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

48%

News & Media

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a small consultation" is a grammatically sound phrase that describes a consultation that is limited in some way. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a valid and usable expression. While its frequency is only uncommon, it appears across various contexts, especially in science, news media, and Wiki articles. To ensure clarity, consider specifying what 'small' refers to (e.g., time, scope, participants). Alternatives like "a brief consultation" or "a quick consultation" may be more suitable depending on the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a brief consultation

Focuses on the limited time duration of the consultation.

a quick consultation

Emphasizes the speed and lack of extensive deliberation involved.

a short consultation

Similar to 'brief', highlighting the limited length of the meeting.

a limited consultation

Indicates that the scope or topics covered are restricted.

a minor consultation

Suggests the consultation is of little importance or consequence.

a concise consultation

Highlights that the consultation is efficient and avoids unnecessary details.

a focused consultation

Implies the consultation addresses specific issues without digressing.

a preliminary consultation

Suggests that the consultation is an initial step before further action.

a basic consultation

Highlights the fundamental and straightforward nature of the discussion.

a brief meeting

A more general phrase indicating a short discussion or conference.

FAQs

What does "a small consultation" typically refer to?

The phrase "a small consultation" generally refers to a consultation that is brief, limited in scope, or involves a small number of people. The specific meaning depends on the context.

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

You can use it like this: "Before making a final decision, I'd like to schedule "a small consultation" with the legal team." Or: "We had "a small consultation" with a specialist to discuss the options."

What are some alternatives to "a small consultation"?

Alternatives include "a brief consultation", "a quick consultation", or "a preliminary consultation". The best choice depends on what aspect of the consultation you want to emphasize.

Is it always appropriate to use "a small consultation"?

While grammatically correct, "a small consultation" may not be suitable if the consultation is extensive or significant. In such cases, consider using alternatives like "a comprehensive assessment" or "a detailed review".