a small range of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a small range of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to a limited number of items or a limited extent of something. For example, "We have a small range of colors to choose from for the new product."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Ms. Penza also offers a small range of breakfast and lunch fare.

The New York Times

They offer a small range of delicious wines - three reds, three whites and one rose.

The Guardian - Travel

He has worked these changes within a small range of novelistic forms.

The New Yorker

These presented only a small range of what Indian dance can cover.

The New York Times - Arts

With this background in mind, let's turn to a small range of responses to one particular programme.

The Guardian

The list of main courses seems extensive, but a small range of ingredients are simply packaged in different ways.

The New York Times - Food

It also carries a small range of bottled Weird Beard and New Zealand beers, from Renaissance, Yeastie Boys and Tuatara.

The Guardian - Travel

It also sells a small range of bread and milk, and does a seasonal veg box scheme locally.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But this rapid regulation, or homeostasis, is limited in its operation to a small range of environmental variations.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The type II CompactFlash card will store 600 six megapixel images, but is only compatible with a small range of cameras, like the Canon EOS-10D.

The Guardian - Tech

The ground floor is new book territory, the basement is packed with secondhand offerings, and there's a small range of classic films on DVD.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a small range of", ensure the context clearly indicates what the limited scope or quantity refers to. This prevents ambiguity and makes your writing more precise.

Common error

Avoid using "a small range of" when the actual range is significantly larger or more diverse than 'small' suggests. This can mislead your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a small range of" functions primarily as a determiner phrase modifying a noun, indicating a limited quantity or scope. Ludwig examples show its use across different contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

31%

Science

43%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a small range of" is a versatile phrase used to indicate a limited quantity, scope, or variety. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely applicable across various writing styles. To use it effectively, ensure that the context clearly defines what the 'small range' refers to, avoiding ambiguity. While alternatives like ""a limited selection of"" or ""a narrow scope of"" can be used, "a small range of" remains a clear and commonly understood choice. The phrase appears frequently in Science and News & Media contexts, so consider your audience when using it. Remember, using "a small range of" implies the existence of other possibilities, but their number or scope is restricted.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a limited selection of

Emphasizes the restriction in available choices.

a narrow scope of

Focuses on the limited extent or breadth of something.

a restricted variety of

Highlights the limited diversity within a set.

a handful of

Implies a very small and easily manageable quantity.

a reduced quantity of

Emphasizes the decrease in amount or number.

a modest assortment of

Suggests a small and unpretentious collection.

a finite set of

Implies that the items are countable and restricted.

a sparse collection of

Emphasizes the scarcity and limited number of items.

a concise spectrum of

Highlights the limited scope of available options.

a tight cluster of

Indicates a close grouping within a small area or amount.

FAQs

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

You can use "a small range of" to indicate a limited number or variety of something. For example, "The store offers "a small range of products" in the sale section".

What are some alternatives to "a small range of"?

Alternatives include "a limited selection of", "a narrow scope of", or "a handful of", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "a small range of" or "a limited range of"?

Both "a small range of" and "a limited range of" are grammatically correct and have similar meanings. The choice depends on the nuance you want to convey. "Small" emphasizes size, while "limited" emphasizes restriction.

Can "a small range of" be used for abstract concepts?

Yes, "a small range of" can be used for abstract concepts as well as concrete items. For example, "The study explored "a small range of opinions" on the matter".