a small gathering

USAGE SUMMARY

"a small gathering" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It refers to a small group of people who have come together for a specific purpose or event. Example: "We had a small gathering last night to celebrate my sister's birthday. It was just a few close friends and family members."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

"Just a small gathering.

The New York Times - Sports

In several of these cases, a group of us organized a small gathering.

The New York Times

A few weeks ago, he hosted a small gathering for friends and fans.

The New York Times

We were going to Bernard's house for a small gathering of family and friends.

The New Yorker

"This is a critical race," Mrs. Shaheen, 61, told a small gathering of employees.

The New York Times

The exhibit's opening, on Aug. 22, was attended by a small gathering of local artists whose response was mostly positive.

The New York Times

The president made his remarks Thursday afternoon before a small gathering in the East Room of the White House.

The New York Times

But in keeping with the vogue for scaled-down coziness, Ms. Garten said, most people preferred a small gathering.

The New York Times - Style

At a small gathering apart from the biennial, Mr. Arrechea gave a presentation of a new video project.

The New York Times - Arts

But then the penny dropped: this was designed for a TV audience rather than a small gathering of business leaders.

The Guardian - Opinion

One evening in June, the Portuguese novelist Jos?aramago was addressing a small gathering at a book party in Lisbon.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing an event, use "a small gathering" to subtly imply intimacy and exclusivity, rather than simply stating the number of attendees.

Common error

Avoid using "a small gathering" in highly formal reports or academic papers; opt for phrases like "a limited number of participants" or "a restricted cohort" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a small gathering" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and commonly used. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its use in various contexts, such as describing events, meetings, or groups of people.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a small gathering" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe an event or situation with a limited number of attendees. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's versatile enough for various contexts, though particularly prevalent in News & Media. When using "a small gathering", consider the context and audience to ensure the register is appropriate. For highly formal settings, alternatives like "a limited number of participants" may be preferable. Remember to imply exclusivity and intimacy through language and think carefully about its impact on the reader.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a get-together of a few

This is a more conversational and informal way to express the same idea.

an intimate get-together

This alternative emphasizes the closeness and familiarity of the group.

a cozy assembly

This option suggests a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere.

a close-knit meeting

This highlights the strong bonds between the individuals involved.

a modest party

This term implies a less extravagant celebration.

a limited circle

This phrase focuses on the restricted number of participants.

a select group

This emphasizes the chosen nature of the attendees.

a handful of people

This uses a figurative expression to indicate a small quantity of individuals.

a private function

This suggests that the event is not open to the general public.

a reduced quorum

This is more formal and suitable for organized groups.

FAQs

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

You can use "a small gathering" to describe an event with few attendees. For example, "We had "a small gathering" to celebrate the promotion."

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

You can use alternatives like "an intimate get-together", "a cozy assembly", or "a select group" depending on the context.

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

While grammatically correct, "a small gathering" is generally more suitable for informal or neutral contexts. In formal writing, consider using phrases like "a limited number of participants" or "a restricted cohort".

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

The primary difference is the number of people attending. "A small gathering" implies a limited number of attendees, creating a more intimate setting, whereas "a large gathering" suggests many people are present.