a small elite

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a small elite" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a select group of individuals who hold power, influence, or privilege, often in a specific context such as politics, business, or culture. Example: "The decisions made by a small elite often shape the future of the community, leaving the majority feeling unheard."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Until five years ago, TED was a small elite conference.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The title is won by a small elite.

Independent

Data is actually only open to a small elite".

The Guardian

A small elite is concentrating power under President Xi.

The New York Times

Formerly rare and reserved to a small elite, knowledge has become virtually free and easily accessible.

Yale University

The traditional catwalk show – a small, elite group of people viewing clothes that will be accessible and affordable to a small, elite group of people – is dead.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In most places a small elite lorded it over a mass of peasants.

The Economist

No longer is it a small, elite group of near equals.

The Economist

This system has created a small elite, who have made distinguished cultural contributions.

Encyclopedia Britannica

For most of their long history, universities were the preserve of a small elite.

The Economist

But the beginning of a renaissance is not taking place only among a small elite.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a small elite" when you want to emphasize both the limited size and privileged status of a group. Be mindful of the context to ensure it accurately reflects the power dynamics you're describing.

Common error

Don't use "a small elite" as a blanket term for any group you dislike. Ensure there is a genuine concentration of power or privilege before applying the label, as misuse can lead to accusations of bias.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a small elite" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies a specific, limited group possessing elevated status, power, or privilege. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating its role in describing societal structures and power dynamics.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a small elite" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe a limited group holding significant power or privilege. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. Its frequent appearance in news media, academic texts, and encyclopedias indicates a neutral to formal register. The phrase often carries implications of inequality or concerns about concentrated power. When using "a small elite", consider alternatives like "a privileged few" or "a select group" for nuanced expression, but avoid oversimplification or misuse that could introduce bias. This is why it’s essential to consider carefully the context of sentences and their objective.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a privileged few

Emphasizes the advantages and benefits enjoyed by the group.

a select group

Highlights the exclusivity and chosen nature of the group.

an inner circle

Suggests a group with close ties and inside knowledge.

the ruling class

Specifically refers to a group holding political power.

the upper echelon

Indicates the highest levels of an organization or society.

the power brokers

Focuses on the group's ability to influence decisions.

the haves

Simple term contrasts those who possess resources with those who do not.

the establishment

Often refers to a dominant group maintaining the status quo.

the influentials

Highlights the group's capacity to affect opinions and actions.

the decision-makers

Draws attention to the group's role in determining outcomes.

FAQs

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

Use "a small elite" to describe a select group holding significant power or privilege, such as "A small elite controlled the country's resources" or "The new policies primarily benefited "a small elite" within the industry".

What phrases are similar to "a small elite"?

Alternatives include "a privileged few", "a select group", or "an inner circle", each emphasizing different aspects of exclusivity and influence.

Is it better to say "a small elite" or "an elite few"?

Both phrases are acceptable, but ""a small elite"" emphasizes the size and exclusivity more directly. "An elite few" focuses on the high status of the group, but does not imply size.

What implications does the phrase "a small elite" carry?

The phrase often suggests concerns about inequality, lack of representation, or potential abuse of power, highlighting a disparity between the "a small elite" and the broader population.