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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
a small prevalence
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "a small prevalence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the occurrence or frequency of a particular condition or phenomenon, especially in a statistical or research context. Example: "In the study, we found a small prevalence of the disease among the population surveyed."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
2 human-written examples
It is disheartening to know that only a small prevalence (33.6 ± 20%) of mothers in SSA countries chose to breastfeed exclusively, despite the abundance of strategies directed at promoting exclusive breastfeeding in the continent.
Science
It is not clear why there is such a difference in the types of calcification morphology; however, previous reports have also found a small prevalence of BA circular occlusive disease [ 25].
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
58 human-written examples
Another recent study with a younger (M = 62 69.8 years) population also showed a smaller prevalence of ICACs, 14.0 37.3% for VAs and 0.0 3.5% for BA [ 14, 20].
Overall, the prevalence of mutation has varied quite widely, with the larger and population-based studies tending to report a smaller prevalence of mutation (Sidransky et al, 1991; Fujimoto et al, 1992; Cordon-Cardo et al, 1994; Berggren et al, 2001).
Science
An individual prediction of a migraine attack based on meteorological data was not possible, mainly as a result of the small prevalence of attacks.
* due to the small prevalence, a 95%-CI could not be calculated [ 38] Symptom-predicting factors were identified with the help of the six steps of multivariable analyses on the basis of the 12-month prevalence, as described above.
Interestingly, unlike other amino acid variants that are predicted to give a neutral PROVEAN score, L>P263 (Leucine>Proline), with its relatively small prevalence as a minor allele (Fig. 2, Hap4) in and specific to the El Faiyum depression, is predicted by PROVEAN to carry a deleterious functional effect (Table 2) with a score of − 4.513.
The sample was relatively small with a low prevalence of students from non-English speaking backgrounds.
Another study of older adults (Margolis (Margolis et al. 2002)), using the Geriatric Depression Scale, included depression in their analysis and found no association; however, this study was small, with a low prevalence of depression in the study population (Margolis et al. 2002; McGwin et al. 2000).
Science
Because of this finding, there was a low prevalence of small mammals in this area, and only a low number of rodents and insectivores were trapped during the epidemiologic investigation (Table 3).
Science
Finally, our sample size was rather small for a low prevalence area with 3091 and 2043 individuals, respectively; this likely decreased our power to find weak associations between predictors and MRSA carriage.
Science
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "a small prevalence", ensure it's followed by a clear description of what is being measured and the population or context to which it applies. For example, "a small prevalence of the mutation in the study group".
Common error
Avoid assuming that "a small prevalence" means something is unimportant. Even a rare occurrence can have significant implications, especially in fields like public health or medicine. Always consider the context and potential impact, regardless of the prevalence.
Source & Trust
85%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "a small prevalence" functions as a noun phrase that describes the extent to which something exists or is common in a particular group or area. It indicates that the occurrence is not widespread. Ludwig AI validates this usage, providing examples predominantly from scientific contexts.
Frequent in
Science
100%
Less common in
News & Media
0%
Formal & Business
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "a small prevalence" is a grammatically correct and usable term in English, predominantly found in scientific and academic contexts. It describes the low occurrence or frequency of a condition or phenomenon within a specified group. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is most commonly used in scientific literature to provide statistical context. When using this phrase, consider the sample size and avoid assuming that a low prevalence indicates insignificance. Related phrases include "a low incidence" or "a minor occurrence". Be clear about what is being measured and avoid misinterpreting the implications of a small prevalence. This phrase is unlikely to be encountered in informal conversation, making it most appropriate for formal writing and research.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
a low incidence
Replaces "prevalence" with "incidence", focusing on the rate at which something new occurs.
a minor occurrence
Substitutes "prevalence" with "occurrence", emphasizing that the event happens infrequently.
a scant presence
Indicates that something exists in only a minimal amount or degree.
a limited distribution
Shifts the focus from frequency to how widely something is spread or found.
a restricted frequency
Emphasizes that the number of times something happens is kept at a minimum.
a rare appearance
Highlights the infrequency of something being seen or observed.
a modest rate
Suggests that the rate or frequency is not high, implying it's within reasonable limits.
a negligible quantity
Focuses on the amount being so small that it's practically insignificant.
a slight showing
Indicates that there's minimal evidence or indication of something.
a fractional representation
Conveys that only a small fraction or portion represents something.
FAQs
How can I use "a small prevalence" in a sentence?
You can use "a small prevalence" to describe the low occurrence of a condition or characteristic within a population. For instance, "The study revealed "a small prevalence" of the disease in rural areas."
What's a good alternative to "a small prevalence"?
Alternatives include "a low incidence", "a limited distribution", or "a minor occurrence", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Each emphasizes the rarity or restricted nature of the phenomenon.
Is it always good news if there is "a small prevalence" of something?
Not necessarily. While a low prevalence might seem positive, it could also mean that the issue is under-reported or difficult to detect. Always consider the context and potential implications, such as the severity of the condition, before drawing conclusions.
How does sample size affect the interpretation of "a small prevalence"?
When the sample size is small, "a small prevalence" may not accurately reflect the true occurrence in the larger population. A larger sample size provides more reliable data and reduces the risk of underestimating the actual prevalence. Therefore, always consider the sample size to assess the statistical significance of the result.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
85%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested