a small meeting

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a small meeting" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a gathering of a limited number of people, typically for discussion or decision-making purposes. Example: "We will have a small meeting in the conference room to discuss the upcoming project deadlines."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Sharif was sitting in a small meeting room with an aide, eating lunch.

The New Yorker

Brigette also conducted a small meeting where we discussed resumes, CVs, cover letters and job interviews.

Columbia University

A bank executive, Liam McGee, bounds into a small meeting room.

The New York Times

Forty journalists, photographers, and TV cameramen waited in a small meeting room with a podium.

The New Yorker

In a small meeting at G.M. headquarters in September, Mr. Whitacre made a casual remark that proved prescient.

The New York Times

The Republican decision was made at a small meeting at Nassau Republican headquarters early this afternoon, said one county Republican.

The New York Times

"This story could take a little while," he said, and he walked to a small meeting room at Giants Stadium.

The New York Times - Sports

Afterward, in a small meeting room in the church offices, Father Paul said that he began training for the order in 1989 and was ordained in 1996.

The New Yorker

But Simmonds then apparently asked to speak to Greening and the pair went to a small meeting room near the chamber which ministers often use between votes.

The Guardian

"We are reducing our investment in our film businesses," Mr. Eisner said in a small meeting with investors and a Wall Street analyst.

The New York Times

Tsao met Quian Quiroga, now at the University of Leicester, UK, in 2015 at a small meeting in Ascona, Switzerland, where she was presenting her latest results.

Nature

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the purpose of "a small meeting", be specific about its objectives. For instance, instead of saying 'We had a small meeting', specify 'We had a small meeting to discuss project milestones'.

Common error

Avoid using "a small meeting" when the event was insignificant or involved only a brief exchange. Reserve the term for gatherings where actual discussion or decisions took place.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a small meeting" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object in a sentence. Ludwig examples show it describing events where discussions and decisions take place among a limited number of participants. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Academia

10%

Science

7%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Science & Research

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a small meeting" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe a gathering of a limited number of people for discussion or decision-making. As Ludwig examples illustrate, the phrase appears frequently in news media and academic contexts. While generally neutral in tone, its specific connotation can vary based on the context. Consider using alternatives like "brief discussion" or "informal session" to fine-tune the intended message. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's correctness and usability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a brief discussion

Focuses on the brevity and informality of the interaction.

a minor gathering

Emphasizes the size and importance of the assembly.

an informal session

Highlights the relaxed and casual nature of the meeting.

a short conference

Suggests a more structured and focused discussion within a limited timeframe.

a private consultation

Implies a one-on-one discussion focusing on advice or expertise.

a limited forum

Highlights a setting for discussion with a restricted audience.

a cozy assembly

Suggests a warm, intimate atmosphere, less formal than "meeting".

a closed-door talk

Implies secrecy or exclusivity in the discussion.

a focused huddle

Emphasizes quick and collaborative problem-solving.

a team powwow

Suggests an informal meeting typically focused on problem-solving or decision making, often used in a business context.

FAQs

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

You can use "a small meeting" to describe a gathering of a few people for discussion. For instance, "The decision was made during "a small meeting" at the headquarters."

What's the difference between "a small meeting" and "a short meeting"?

"A small meeting" refers to the number of attendees, while "a short meeting" refers to the duration. You can have "a small meeting" that lasts a long time, and vice versa.

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

Alternatives include "a brief discussion", "a minor gathering", or "an informal session" depending on the context.

Is "a small meeting" formal or informal?

The phrase "a small meeting" is generally neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, the overall tone of the meeting and the setting will influence the perception of formality.