a small number of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a small number of" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to indicate a small quantity of something, for example "a small number of people attended the event".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A small number of families trickled away.

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

Yes, a small number of Travellers.

The Guardian

There is a small number of Asian-American ballerinas, and a small number of black ones.

The New Yorker

A small number of salons have a small number of stylists renting a chair from them.

The Guardian

Most, however, are awarded to a small number of executives.

The New York Times

Ford has even licensed a small number of Toyota patents.

The New York Times

Police have seized a small number of the tablets.

The Guardian - Music

A small number of actors are expected to participate.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a small number of", ensure the noun you are referring to is countable. For uncountable nouns, consider using "a small amount of" instead.

Common error

Avoid using "a small number of" with uncountable nouns such as 'water' or 'information'. The correct phrase in such cases is "a small amount of".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a small number of" functions as a determiner, specifically a quantifier, indicating a limited quantity of a countable noun. Ludwig examples show its usage in various contexts, affirming its role in specifying quantity. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a small number of" is a versatile phrase used to denote a limited quantity of countable nouns across various contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. It appears frequently in news, academic writing and scientific research. When using this phrase, remember to pair it with countable nouns and be mindful of alternatives like "few" or "a handful of" for stylistic variation. The authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, which include the phrase, attest its reliability and widespread acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a limited quantity of

Replaces "number" with "quantity", focusing on the amount rather than the count.

only a few

Adds emphasis to the limited nature of the quantity.

just a few

Similar to "only a few" but with a slightly more casual tone.

a handful of

Uses a more informal idiom to indicate a small, easily countable amount.

few

A more concise way to express a small quantity, suitable for many contexts.

a minority of

Shifts the focus to representing a smaller portion of a larger group.

a select few

Emphasizes the special or chosen nature of the small group.

a restricted amount of

Highlights the limited availability or allowance of something.

a trickle of

Implies a very slow or gradual flow of a small quantity.

several

Indicates more than a couple but still not many.

FAQs

How to use "a small number of" in a sentence?

Use "a small number of" followed by a countable noun to indicate a limited quantity. For example, "a small number of students attended the lecture".

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

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

Which is correct, "a small number of" or "a small amount of"?

"A small number of" is used with countable nouns, while "a small amount of" is used with uncountable nouns. For instance, "a small number of books" versus "a small amount of water".

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

"A small number of" refers to a single instance of a limited quantity. "Small numbers of" implies multiple instances or occurrences of small quantities.