a small contingent of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a small contingent of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to refer to a small group of people or things. For example: The mayor welcomed a small contingent of dignitaries from abroad.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

They were joined by a small contingent of Republican lawmakers.

The New York Times

A small contingent of people with a plump young man.

The Guardian - Books

Among the reporters was a small contingent of Libyan journalists.

The New York Times

The country already hosts a small contingent of US servicemen, which trains Polish pilots.

The Guardian

Only a small contingent of Special Forces soldiers are working with the pesh merga there now.

The New York Times

The unauthorised protest was monitored by a small contingent of police.

The Guardian

Ruby and Pasha have joined a small contingent of bedbug-sniffing dogs.

The New York Times

At the same time there is a small contingent of users who are very active.

Harvard Business Review

A small contingent of soldiers, mission unknown, stood to one side, guarding something or someone.

The New York Times - Travel

Eventually, he sent a small contingent of troops, and Mr. Taylor was pushed out.

The New York Times

Though outnumbered on Thursday, a small contingent of supporters echoed Mr. Goulet's sentiments.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a small contingent of" when you want to emphasize both the limited size and the specific purpose or function of a group within a larger context.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "a small contingent of" can sound overly formal in casual conversations. Opt for simpler phrases like "a few" or "a small group" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a small contingent of" functions as a determiner phrase, specifically quantifying and describing a noun. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely applicable. The phrase indicates a limited number of individuals or items belonging to a larger entity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a small contingent of" is a grammatically correct and frequently used way to describe a limited group of individuals or items, often with a specific purpose or role. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread use. While primarily found in news and media contexts, it also appears in academic and encyclopedic sources. The key takeaway is to use this phrase when you want to emphasize both the limited size and the particular function of a group within a larger context, keeping in mind that simpler alternatives may be more suitable for informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a small troop of

Replaces "contingent" with "troop", implying a more organized or military-like group.

a small detachment of

Substitutes "contingent" with "detachment", suggesting a group separated for a specific task.

a limited number of

Replaces the entire phrase with a more general expression of quantity.

a handful of

Uses an idiom to indicate a small quantity, suitable for informal contexts.

a select few

Indicates a small, carefully chosen group.

a restricted group of

Emphasizes the limited and potentially controlled nature of the group.

a smaller portion of

Highlights that the group is a fraction or part of a larger whole.

a trickle of

Uses a metaphor to indicate a very small, almost insignificant number.

a minority of

Focuses on the group being in the minority, rather than just being small.

a smattering of

Suggests a scattered and sparse distribution of the individuals or items.

FAQs

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

You can use "a small contingent of" to describe a small group of people or things that are part of a larger group. For example: "A small contingent of soldiers was sent to the border."

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

You can use alternatives like "a small group of", "a few", or "a handful of" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "a small contingent of"?

It's appropriate to use "a small contingent of" in formal or professional contexts when you want to emphasize the limited size and specific purpose of a group. In informal settings, simpler phrases may be more suitable.

What is the difference between "a small contingent of" and "a small group of"?

"A small contingent of" implies that the group has a specific function or purpose, while "a small group of" is more general and doesn't necessarily imply a specific purpose.