a small number of cases

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a small number of cases" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a limited quantity of instances or examples in a particular context, often in discussions related to research, statistics, or observations. Example: "In our study, we found that a small number of cases exhibited unusual behavior, prompting further investigation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Also, a small number of cases have occurred among newborns.

The New York Times

Treatments range from ice packs to bite plates or, in a small number of cases, surgery.

The New York Times - Health

Implant complications include blood clots, infections and, in a small number of cases, death.

The New York Times

Sexual transmission of Zika virus has occurred in a small number of cases.

The Guardian - Travel

A small number of cases of sexual transmission have been reported in the US and elsewhere.

The Guardian

He said a small number of cases involving a potential cutter had been referred to police.

The Guardian

"We continue to see a small number of cases or suspected cases coming forward.

The Guardian

So far, none of the legal efforts, which involve a small number of cases, have succeeded.

The New York Times

In a small number of cases they have been used to track the movements of terror suspects and paedophiles.

The Guardian

In a small number of cases, women also reportedly spat on officers or encouraged their children to do so.

The New York Times

Major health consequences, such as neurological conditions and reactive arthritis, may develop in a small number of cases.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a small number of cases", ensure the context clearly defines what constitutes 'small' to avoid ambiguity. Quantify the number or provide a relative comparison whenever possible.

Common error

Avoid implying that "a small number of cases" is representative of a larger trend without sufficient evidence. Clearly state that the findings are limited to the observed cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a small number of cases" functions as a determiner phrase modifying a noun. It quantifies and limits the noun "cases", indicating a restricted quantity. As confirmed by Ludwig, this is a correct and usable phrase in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

43%

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a small number of cases" is a versatile phrase used to denote a limited quantity of occurrences. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread applicability. It is frequently employed in scientific and news contexts to qualify findings or emphasize rarity. While seemingly simple, context is crucial for ensuring clarity and avoiding overstatements about the significance of these instances. Consider using alternatives like "a limited number of instances" or "a handful of cases" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a limited number of instances

Replaces "cases" with "instances" emphasizing specific occurrences.

only a few cases

Adds emphasis on the limited quantity with "only".

a handful of cases

Uses a more informal and figurative term to indicate a small quantity.

a few isolated cases

Emphasizes the rarity and separation of the cases.

a minority of cases

Highlights that the cases represent a smaller portion of a larger group.

a restricted number of cases

Indicates that the quantity is limited by some constraint.

an infrequent number of cases

Replaces "small" with "infrequent" stressing the lack of occurrence.

a scattering of cases

Suggests that the cases are dispersed and not concentrated.

a select few cases

Suggests the cases are chosen or distinct from others.

a negligible number of cases

Implies the quantity is so small it's practically insignificant.

FAQs

How can I use "a small number of cases" in a sentence?

You can use "a small number of cases" to indicate a limited quantity of instances, like: "A small number of cases of the disease were reported in the region.".

What phrases are similar to "a small number of cases"?

Alternatives include /s/a+limited+number+of+instances", "a handful of cases", or "a few isolated cases", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to specify the exact number instead of saying "a small number of cases"?

Specifying the exact number is preferable for clarity, but "a small number of cases" is useful when the exact number is unknown or less important than emphasizing the limited quantity.

What does "a small number of cases" imply about the overall impact?

Saying "a small number of cases" suggests that the impact is likely limited, but further investigation may be needed to understand the full implications.