a small population

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a small population" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a limited number of individuals within a specific group or area, often in contexts like demographics, ecology, or social studies. Example: "The island is home to a small population of endangered species that are at risk of extinction."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Analysis of ancient DNA suggests that a small population of people from Siberia populated the Americas.

The New York Times - Science

Patagonia is some 30,000square miles, with a small population.

The New Yorker

In a small population, matings between relatives are common.

University of California, Berkeley

Japan also has a small population of Chinese descent.

Britannica

New Hampshire has only a small population of Christian evangelicals.

The Guardian

There is also a small population of non-European immigrants.

Britannica

Politically, a small population is a nice thing to have.

The Economist

That's not a trivial sum for a country with such a small population.

The New York Times - Magazine

The island had a small population for two hundred and fifty years.

The New Yorker

The scientists also discovered that Neanderthals emerged from a small population of just 3,000 individuals.

The Guardian

Today, scientists have confirmed there is a small population hanging on in Alejandro Humboldt National Park.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a small population", ensure that the context clearly defines the larger group to which it is being compared. This provides a clearer understanding of the population's relative size.

Common error

Avoid using "a small population" without providing specific numerical data or a clear comparison. For example, instead of saying "The town has a small population", specify "The town has a population of only 500 residents, which is a small population compared to the neighboring city".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a small population" functions as a noun phrase, where "small" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "population". As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

22%

Academia

18%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

12%

Wiki

9%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a small population" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a group with a limited number of individuals. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is versatile and applicable across different contexts. The analysis reveals that it is most frequently used in News & Media, Scientific, and Academic settings. To use the phrase effectively, ensure clear context and comparison to a larger group. Avoid overgeneralization by providing specific numerical data when possible. Consider alternative phrases like "a limited population" or "a minor population" depending on the specific meaning you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A limited population

Emphasizes the restricted size of the group.

A tiny population

Stresses the extremely small size of the group.

A minor population

Highlights the insignificance in number relative to a larger group.

A scant population

Indicates that the population is barely sufficient.

A fractional population

Suggests the population represents a very small proportion of a whole.

A handful of people

Uses a more informal expression to convey a very small number of individuals.

A scattering of inhabitants

Focuses on the dispersed distribution of a small number of people.

A restricted populace

Emphasizes limitations and constraints on the population's size or growth.

A select few

Implies the small group is distinguished or chosen from a larger set.

A pocket of residents

Describes a small, localized group of people.

FAQs

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

You can use "a small population" to describe a group that is limited in size compared to a larger entity. For example, "The island is inhabited by "a small population" of indigenous people".

What are some alternatives to "a small population"?

Alternatives include "a limited population", "a minor population", or "a tiny population" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "a small population" or "a low population"?

While both phrases describe a limited number, "a small population" typically refers to the size of a group, whereas "a low population" can sometimes imply a decline or undesirable state. Choose the phrase that best fits the intended meaning.

When is it appropriate to use the term "a small population"?

Use "a small population" when you want to emphasize the limited size of a group relative to a larger context or expected norm. It's suitable for discussing demographics, ecology, or any situation where the number of individuals is notably restricted.