a small number of large

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a small number of large" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a limited quantity of large items or entities in a specific context. Example: "In the study, we focused on a small number of large companies that significantly impacted the market."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

She said the resulting level of emissions varied year on year, depending largely on the impact of a small number of large installations.

BBC

"We wanted to attract a small number of large corporations".

The New York Times

Because a small number of large banks have a monopoly".

The Economist

There will be a small number of large pieces and a large number of small pieces.

The Guardian

Many industries are dominated by a small number of large firms or a single monopoly.

The Economist

The modern brewing industry is dominated by a small number of large companies.

Brewing New Technologies

"A small number of large corporations are today the powerhouses behind the development of sophisticated artificial intelligence.

The Guardian - Tech

And the word 'planet' means, in our heads, a small number of large bodies in the solar system.

The Guardian

Since 1984, he had generated 16percentt annualized returns by making big bets on a small number of large companies.

The New York Times

The other two businesses will probably consolidate quickly, as a small number of large companies assume dominance.

Harvard Business Review

First, its problem is concentrated: a small number of large polluters (about two dozen) emit half the gas.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a small number of large", ensure the contrast between 'small' and 'large' is relevant to your point. This contrast emphasizes the significance of individual large items within a limited set.

Common error

Avoid using "a small number of large" when the quantity, though not vast, isn't truly limited. For example, describing a city with 20 skyscrapers as having "a small number of large" buildings might be misleading, as 20 could be considered a substantial amount depending on the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a small number of large" functions as a determiner phrase, specifically quantifying a noun. It highlights both the limited quantity (small number) and the considerable size (large) of the entities being described. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

39%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Academia

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a small number of large" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe a limited quantity of sizable items or entities. As Ludwig AI explains, it is indeed accurate and functional. It is most commonly found in News & Media and Scientific contexts, indicating its suitability for both general and specialized discourse. When using this phrase, ensure that the contrast between 'small' and 'large' is relevant and that the quantity is genuinely limited within the given context. Alternatives like "a few large" or "a handful of large" can be used to convey similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis. Overall, the phrase is a versatile and effective way to highlight the significance of individual large items within a limited set.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a few large

Uses "few" instead of "small number", which is more concise.

only a few large

Adds emphasis on the exclusiveness and limited quantity of the subject.

a handful of large

Emphasizes the limited quantity more strongly.

a limited number of large

More formal and explicitly states the restriction in quantity.

several large

Suggests more than "a few", but still a limited quantity.

a restricted number of large

Highlights the constraints on the quantity.

a select few large

Implies a specific selection or choice of the large items.

a reduced number of large

Indicates a decrease in the original quantity.

a finite number of large

Emphasizes the definite and limited nature of the quantity.

a minority of large

Highlights the size relative to the other elements.

FAQs

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

You can use "a small number of large" to describe a limited quantity of sizable items or entities, like "A small number of large companies dominate the market" or "The project requires "a small number of large" investments".

What are some alternatives to "a small number of large"?

Alternatives include "a few large", "a handful of large", or "several large", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "a small number of large" or "a large number of small"?

The choice depends on the context. "A small number of large" emphasizes the limited quantity of sizable items, while "a large number of small" emphasizes the abundance of smaller items. For example, it's better to say ""a small number of large" corporations control the industry", rather than "a large number of small corporations control the industry", if you want to emphasize the power concentrated in just a few dominant players.

When is it inappropriate to use the phrase "a small number of large"?

Avoid using ""a small number of large"" if the quantity, while limited, is not truly small within the given context, or if the 'large' aspect is not particularly significant. For instance, describing a collection of ten paintings as ""a small number of large"" artworks might be an overstatement unless their size is exceptional.