a small group

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a small group" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a limited number of people gathered for a specific purpose or activity. Example: "The conference will feature a small group of experts discussing the latest trends in technology."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was a small group.

Independent

A small group sprinted ahead.

The New York Times - Sports

A small group, however, managed to remain.

The New Yorker

A SMALL group had formed.

The New York Times - Food

A small group played whips.

The Guardian

That's quite a small group.

The Guardian - Sport

We're a small group with small voices.

The Guardian

She has a small group of friends.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But they were a small group.

The New York Times

A small group of people from Fullerton?

The New York Times

A small group, however, remained behind.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use “a small group” to introduce a subject before giving specific numbers or details to manage reader expectations.

Common error

Avoid using "a small group" without providing any context about the group's relevance or impact. Specify the role or significance of the group to avoid vagueness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a small group" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies a limited number of entities, such as people, items, or organizations. Ludwig examples confirm its common usage in describing subsets within larger contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Academia

35%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a small group" is a versatile noun phrase used to denote a limited quantity of entities. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use across diverse contexts, including news, academia, and scientific research. The phrase is grammatically correct and conveys a sense of a limited scale or select subset. To ensure clarity, it's best to contextualize the group's significance or defining characteristics. While "a small group" is a commonly used phrase, consider alternatives such as "a handful of people" or "a select few" to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a handful of people

Emphasizes the small number, suggesting it can be counted on one hand.

a few individuals

Highlights that the group is comprised of separate people.

a limited number

Focuses on the restricted quantity or availability.

a small subset

Indicates that the group is a part of a larger set.

a select few

Implies that the group is small and chosen for a specific reason or quality.

a tiny minority

Emphasizes that the group is smaller than a normal minority.

a minority

Highlights that the group is less than half of a larger population.

a core group

Suggests that the group is central or essential to a larger organization or effort.

a tight-knit group

Focuses on the close relationships and strong bonds within the small group.

a select circle

Highlights exclusivity, focusing on their common interests.

FAQs

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

You can use "a small group" to refer to a limited number of people or things. For example, "A small group of students worked on the project together."

What are some alternatives to "a small group"?

Some alternatives to "a small group" include "a handful of people", "a limited number", or "a select few", depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "a small group" versus "a large group"?

"A small group" is appropriate when the number is limited and often implies intimacy or focused interaction. "A large group" is used when the number is substantial and may suggest less personal interaction.

What's the difference between "a small group" and "some people"?

"A small group" implies a more defined collection with potential shared characteristics or purpose, while "some people" is more general and lacks a specific group identity.