a small number

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of the sentence 'a small number' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something with a limited amount or quantity, such as "A small number of people showed up for the protest despite the cold weather."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A small number die.

The Washington Post

A small number have adopted Christianity.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Why such a small number?

The Guardian

But only a small number.

The New York Times

Princeton has a small number of accounts.

Princeton University

A small number of field trips.

Yale University

Consists of a small number of photographs.

Columbia University

A small number of families trickled away.

The New York Times

"Three thousand is a small number.

The Guardian

It is not a small number.

The New York Times

Only a small number were critically injured.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a small number", ensure the context clarifies what constitutes 'small' in that particular situation. Quantify it further if possible for better clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "a small number" to downplay a significant issue. Even if the quantity is small, the impact might be substantial. Focus on the effect, not just the count.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a small number" functions primarily as a determiner phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a limited quantity. It specifies that the amount or count being referred to is relatively low, according to Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Academia

29%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a small number" is a versatile expression used to indicate a limited quantity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely applicable. Its usage spans various contexts, with a strong presence in news, academic writing, and scientific reports. While alternatives like "few" or "a handful" exist, "a small number" offers a slightly more formal tone. Remember to provide context to define what constitutes 'small' in each situation and avoid using it to downplay significant issues. Understanding these nuances ensures effective and precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

few

A more concise and direct way of expressing a small number.

a handful

Implies a very small, easily countable number, often with a sense of being select or chosen.

a select few

Highlights the exclusiveness or special nature of the limited number.

a restricted number

Similar to "a limited quantity", it emphasizes the restriction.

a limited quantity

Emphasizes the restriction on the amount available.

a tiny fraction

Indicates an extremely small portion of a whole.

a minority

Indicates that the number is less than half of the total.

a sprinkling

Suggests a scattered and sparse distribution.

a modicum

Suggests a barely sufficient amount.

several

Implies a number greater than a few, but still not many.

FAQs

How do I use "a small number" in a sentence?

Use "a small number" to indicate a limited quantity. For example, "A small number of students attended the lecture." Ensure your audience understands the relative size of the quantity you're describing.

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

You can use alternatives like "few", "a handful", or "a limited quantity" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "a small number" or "few"?

Both "a small number" and "few" are correct. "A small number" is slightly more formal, while "few" is more concise and direct. Choose based on the tone you want to convey.

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

"A small number" indicates a specific limited quantity, whereas "some" is more general and doesn't necessarily imply a small amount. "Some" could be a moderate or even large amount, depending on the context.