a small pack of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a small pack of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a quantity of items that are grouped together, typically in a compact form. Example: "I bought a small pack of gum at the store."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

The reporters moved together, a small pack of happy gossips.

The New York Times - Sports

His biceps could support a small pack of Shih Tzus.

The New York Times - Sports

2.57pm BST The group containing Mark Cavendish, a small pack of three, are well off the back of the peloton.

The Guardian - Sport

Thus a small pack of people ended up making a lot of effort to get a free chair.

The New York Times - Magazine

Each afternoon, a small pack of spectators gathered along the subway platform, pressing up against a fence, to watch "the pull".

The New Yorker

Kurt led Moran up to the podium just in front of Bentley, who was still lunging occasionally, while Iliad sat peacefully among a small pack of guide dogs.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

All they wanted was one small pack of nappies.

Independent

Small pack of mints.

WikiHow

Small pack of tissues.

WikiHow

The device is "so small — like a little pack of matches," he said.

The New York Times

The clue for this improvement in her fortunes, is in a set of small packs of vitamin and mineral powder "Gulyazyk".

Unicef

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the connotation. "A small pack of" can sometimes imply a sense of camaraderie or shared purpose, especially when referring to people or animals.

Common error

Avoid using "a small pack of" when referring to items that are inherently large or bulky. It's more suitable for smaller, easily grouped objects or beings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a small pack of" functions as a determiner phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a limited quantity of something that is grouped together. Ludwig provides examples illustrating its role in describing various entities, from "a small pack of wolves" to "a small pack of cards".

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a small pack of" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to denote a limited quantity of grouped items or individuals. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is versatile enough for use across various contexts, from describing animals to everyday objects. While its usage spans different registers, it tends to be most frequent in news and media. When using this phrase, it's important to ensure that the context clearly defines what a 'pack' constitutes to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives like "a small group of" or "a few" to refine your writing. Overall, "a small pack of" is a reliable and clear way to specify a limited quantity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a small group of

Highlights a small gathering or assembly of people or things.

a few

Indicates a small number, typically more than two but not many.

a handful of

Implies a quantity that can be held in one hand, suggesting a small and manageable amount.

a limited number of

Emphasizes the restricted quantity or availability of something.

a cluster of

Suggests a closely gathered collection, often implying a sense of unity or proximity.

a scattering of

Indicates a small, dispersed amount spread across an area.

a select few

Emphasizes the chosen or privileged nature of a small number.

a tight-knit group of

Highlights the close relationships and strong bonds within a small collection of individuals.

a modest assortment of

Implies a small and unpretentious collection of various items.

a sparse collection of

Suggests a small, thinly distributed gathering, often implying scarcity or rarity.

FAQs

How can I use "a small pack of" in a sentence?

You can use "a small pack of" to describe a limited quantity of items or individuals that are grouped together. For example, "a small pack of wolves" or "a small pack of cards".

What is a good alternative to "a small pack of"?

Depending on the context, suitable alternatives could include "a small group of", "a few", or "a handful of".

Is there a difference between "a small pack of" and "a small group of"?

While similar, "a small pack of" often implies a closer, more cohesive unit, especially when referring to animals or people working together. "A small group of" is a more general term.

When is it appropriate to use "a small pack of" instead of "a small collection of"?

"A small pack of" suggests a more organized or purposeful arrangement, suitable for items intended to be used together. "A small collection of" is better for diverse items gathered without a specific function.