a small part

USAGE SUMMARY

"a small part" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to a portion of something that is significantly smaller than the whole. For example, "I only have a small part in the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Politics plays a small part.

The Economist

I had a small part in that.

The New York Times

Soccer was a small part of that.

The New York Times - Sports

I'm a small part.

The New York Times

I play a small part.

The Guardian - Opinion

But that's a small part.

The New Yorker

A small part of my business?

The New York Times

Stones are a small part of it.

The New York Times

"It's a small part of our portfolio.

The Guardian - Business

Tennis is a small part of it".

The New York Times - Sports

Yes, but it's a small part.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a small part", ensure the context clearly indicates what the whole is for accurate understanding. For example, "A small part of the budget was allocated to marketing."

Common error

Avoid using "a small part" when the portion, though physically small, has a disproportionately large impact. Instead, opt for phrases that highlight the significance, such as "a key component" or "a crucial element".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a small part" functions as a determiner phrase acting as a noun modifier. It quantifies a portion of something, indicating that the amount or significance is limited. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Academia

23%

Science

26%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a small part" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to denote a limited portion or element of something. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's suitable for various contexts, ranging from news and media to academic and scientific writing. When using this phrase, ensure the context is clear about the whole being referenced and avoid it when the small portion has a disproportionately large impact. Consider alternatives like "a minor portion" or "a tiny fraction" for nuanced emphasis. Overall, it is a simple but versatile way to convey scale and proportion in communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a minor portion

Replaces "part" with "portion", emphasizing the limited quantity.

a tiny fraction

Substitutes "part" with "fraction", highlighting an extremely small proportion.

a limited extent

Shifts from a physical part to the degree or scope, implying a restriction.

a negligible element

Replaces the idea of a "part" with an "element" that is so small it can be ignored.

a slight component

Emphasizes the composition of something, with a component that is not substantial.

a mere fragment

Indicates that only a broken-off piece exists, and is thus, quite limited.

an insignificant aspect

Focuses on an attribute or feature that is not very important.

a reduced amount

Switches to a numerical quantity perspective, and shows that the amount is small because has been reduced.

a fractional segment

Uses "segment" instead of "part", still indicating a small division or section.

a minimum contribution

Shifts the focus to the impact or involvement, emphasizing a very low level of contribution.

FAQs

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

You can use "a small part" to indicate that something constitutes a minor portion of a larger whole. For example, "A small part of the population is affected by the disease".

What are some alternatives to "a small part"?

Alternatives include "a minor portion", "a tiny fraction", or "a limited extent", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "a small part"?

While "part" inherently suggests a portion, using "small" emphasizes the limited size or significance of that portion. Whether it's redundant depends on the context; sometimes the emphasis is necessary for clarity.

What's the difference between "a small part" and "a small portion"?

While similar, "part" often refers to a component or element of something, whereas "portion" typically refers to a quantity or share. Using "a small portion" might be more appropriate when discussing amounts or allocations, whereas "a small part" is better for discussing components or aspects.