a small crowd

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a small crowd" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a gathering of people that is not large in number. Example: "At the park, there was a small crowd gathered to watch the street performers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We just started a month ago," the frontman, Tom Delaney, said, as a small crowd clapped.

The New York Times - Arts

A small crowd formed.

The New York Times - Travel

A small crowd gathered.

The New York Times

A small crowd stared from the sidewalk.

The New York Times

A small crowd followed me in.

The New Yorker

A small crowd waited to try.

The New York Times - Arts

A small crowd formed around them.

The New Yorker

By now, a small crowd had gathered.

The New Yorker

A small crowd had begun to gather.

The New York Times

A small crowd had gathered.

The New York Times

A small crowd has gathered.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a small crowd", consider the context and whether a more specific term (e.g., "a handful of people", "a few onlookers") would provide a clearer picture of the gathering.

Common error

Avoid using "a small crowd" when referring to just one or two people. In such cases, use "a couple of people" or "a few individuals" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a small crowd" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI and the examples provided confirm its role in describing a limited number of people in a specific location or context.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a small crowd" is a common and grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe a gathering of a limited number of people. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is correct and readily usable across various contexts. Its primary function is descriptive, providing an approximate indication of the size of the gathering. While versatile, it's important to ensure that the phrase accurately reflects the number of people; alternatives like "a few people" or "a modest gathering" may be more appropriate in certain situations. The examples in Ludwig showcase its frequent use in news and media.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a handful of people

Emphasizes the limited number of individuals present.

a modest gathering

Highlights the unassuming and unpretentious nature of the assembly.

a tiny group

Emphasizes the diminutive size of the gathering.

a scattering of individuals

Suggests a dispersed and sparse gathering.

a limited number of attendees

Formal and emphasizes the restricted quantity of participants.

a smattering of people

Suggests a small and unevenly distributed group.

a few onlookers

Focuses on the people who are watching an event or situation.

a sparse turnout

Indicates a lower-than-expected number of people present.

a cluster of individuals

Highlights the way people are grouped closely.

a select few

Implies that the people present are specially chosen or represent a distinct category.

FAQs

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

You can use "a small crowd" to describe a limited number of people gathered in one place. For example, "A small crowd gathered to watch the street performer."

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

You can use alternatives like "a few people", "a modest gathering", or "a handful of people depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "a small crowd" in formal writing?

Yes, "a small crowd" is appropriate for formal writing. However, consider whether a more precise term, like "a limited number of attendees", would be more suitable.

What is the difference between "a small crowd" and "a large crowd"?

"A small crowd" refers to a limited number of people, while "a large crowd" implies a significant number of people. The distinction is relative to the context.