a small panel

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a small panel" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a physical or metaphorical panel that is small in size, often in contexts related to design, technology, or discussions. Example: "The artist created a beautiful painting on a small panel, showcasing intricate details."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I held my breath as I opened a small panel on the side of the camera.

The New York Times

"The review will be led by Lord Strathclyde, supported by a small panel of experts".

The Guardian

Even a small panel can use up to 50 types of wood.

The New York Times - Arts

The cause of the congestion was a small panel truck carrying slot machines to Montana.

The New Yorker

I held my breath as I opened a small panel on side of the camera.

The New York Times

A small panel by Hans Memling, "Christ Blessing," soared to a world record $4.11 million.

The New York Times - Arts

A small panel of glass block on the side street was about as modern as it got.

The New York Times

(An arbitration is a closed-door hearing overseen by a small panel of officials appointed by the securities industry itself).

The New York Times

She would head a small panel of young people who would identify projects that should receive support.

The Guardian

From a small panel of putative inhibitors, compounds that potently and selectively target the inhibitor-sensitized PTPH1 mutants were identified.

Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry

Midway through the program, teams will give an elevator pitch to a small panel and get feedback on their venture idea.

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a small panel" to refer to a group of experts, ensure the context clearly indicates their role and purpose. For example, "a small panel of judges" or "a small panel of scientific advisors".

Common error

Avoid using "a small panel" when the actual group size is considerable. The phrase implies a limited and focused team, so ensure your description accurately reflects the scale.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a small panel" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a group of individuals, objects or a component, emphasizing its limited size. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a small panel" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a limited group or component, as affirmed by Ludwig. It appears most frequently in science and news contexts, with a neutral to professional register. When using the phrase, ensure the context clearly reflects the limited size being described. Alternatives include "a limited group" or "a select committee", each providing a slightly different nuance. According to Ludwig, the phrase is versatile and suitable for a variety of writing scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a limited group

Focuses on the limited number of members rather than the panel's function.

a compact board

Emphasizes the physical size and structure, using "board" instead of "panel".

a select committee

Highlights the selective nature and formal structure of the group.

a concise review board

Adds the element of review, emphasizing a focused and brief examination.

a miniature screen

Specifically refers to a small display screen, focusing on visual representation.

a reduced cadre

Emphasizes a smaller core group of people, often in a specific field.

a minimal team

Highlights the leanness and efficiency of the team.

a handful of experts

Emphasizes the few number of people with expertise on a topic.

a controlled sample

Refers to a small, representative subset used for scientific testing.

a restricted display

Highlights limited access to a visual exhibit.

FAQs

How can I use "a small panel" in a sentence?

You can use "a small panel" to refer to a limited group of people assembled for a specific purpose, such as "a small panel of experts" or "a small panel of judges".

What's a good alternative to "a small panel"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "a small panel" include "a limited group", "a select committee", or "a compact board".

Is it appropriate to use "a small panel" in formal writing?

Yes, "a small panel" is suitable for formal writing when referring to a small group of people convened for a specific task, like in a business or academic setting.

What distinguishes "a small panel" from "a large panel"?

"A small panel" implies a limited number of individuals, whereas "a large panel" suggests a more extensive group, often with broader representation or a more comprehensive scope.