a small number of items

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a small number of items" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a limited quantity of objects or products in various contexts, such as inventory, shopping, or data analysis. Example: "The store has a small number of items left in stock, so be sure to grab what you need before they run out."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"On the Internet or with a catalog, you can get away with only carrying a small number of items in fringe sizes," Mr. Merritt said.

The New York Times

Officials at the House said that they were stunned at the lawsuit, having believed that the loans would be permanent, and contested ownership of a small number of items.

The New York Times - Arts

The good showing for incineration – preferred for a small number of items and often the next best option after recycling – will be controversial with some environmental campaigners who worry about the pollution from recycling plants, and that incineration becomes an easy option that deters investment in proper recycling.

The Guardian

However, these are only efficient with a small number of items in the database.

Knowledge-Based Systems

Furthermore, only a small number of items were used to assess PISA literacy in the present study.

Large-scale Assessments in Education

We found a small number of items relating to odour annoyance and home ownership that can be used in order to predict odour impact for individual community members.

Journal of Environmental Management

However, excluding a small number of items, the participants seemed to moderately agree with the test committees and understand their intentions correctly.

Language Testing in Asia

By ascertaining Rasch model conformity, we identified a small number of items that nonetheless exactly measure understanding of Newton's mechanics (efficiency) independent of several individual characteristics of the test taker (fair measurement).

International Journal of STEM Education

To achieve efficiency (i.e., a quick and exact test), we aimed to choose a small number of items (quick) that conform to the Rasch model and therefore all measure the same underlying dimension (exact).

International Journal of STEM Education

Even if we restrict the discussion to a small number of items of the sort that Aristotle regards as categories, many issues remain to be settled about them, and philosophers frequently disagree about how to settle them.

SEP

But this has also contributed to an explosive growth of information and has intensified the online competition for users attention, since only a small number of items become popular while the rest remain unknown.

Journal of Internet Services and Applications

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When emphasizing scarcity or exclusivity, use "a small number of items" to highlight the limited availability. This is effective in marketing and inventory management contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "a small number of items" when the quantity is actually significant. Misrepresenting the availability can mislead and erode trust with your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a small number of items" functions as a quantifier, modifying a noun to indicate a limited quantity. It is used to describe the amount of something, specifying that it is not large or abundant. As Ludwig AI points out, it is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

54%

News & Media

29%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a small number of items" is a grammatically sound and frequently used quantifier, indicating a limited quantity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and widely applicable. It's commonly found in scientific and news-related content. When employing this phrase, ensure that the context accurately reflects the limited quantity to avoid misrepresentation. Consider using alternatives like "a few items" or "a limited number of items" for subtle variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a few items

Emphasizes the limited quantity using a simpler and more direct expression.

a limited number of items

Highlights the restriction or constraint on the quantity.

a handful of items

Suggests the quantity is small enough to be held in one hand, implying very few.

a restricted set of items

Focuses on the selection being controlled or limited.

a reduced quantity of items

Highlights the fact that the number has been lowered or diminished.

a minimal number of items

Emphasizes that the quantity is the smallest possible or acceptable.

a scattering of items

Suggests items are sparsely distributed, implying fewness.

a sprinkling of items

Implies items are sparsely present, like a light dusting.

a trifling number of items

Emphasizes the insignificance of the quantity.

a negligible quantity of items

Indicates the quantity is so small it can be ignored.

FAQs

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

You can use "a small number of items" to describe a limited quantity of something, such as "The store carries "a small number of items" in fringe sizes" or "Only "a small number of items" remain in stock".

What are some alternatives to saying "a small number of items"?

Alternatives include "a few items", "a limited number of items", or "a handful of items", depending on the context and the degree of emphasis you want to place on the limited quantity.

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

Both phrases are grammatically correct. "A small number of items" is slightly more formal and can emphasize the exact quantity, while "few items" is more concise and suitable for informal contexts.

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

"A small number of items" indicates a limited quantity, while "a large number of items" indicates a substantial or abundant quantity. The choice depends on the actual quantity and the point you wish to convey.