a small reference

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a small reference" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to indicate a brief mention or citation of something, often in academic or formal contexts. Example: "In her research paper, she included a small reference to previous studies on the topic."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Academia

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

CCRMA has a small reference library scattered about the building.

Stanford University

The new magazine is called Everyday Food, and it contains only a small reference to Stewart on the cover.

The New Yorker

The generalized perceptrons carry out classification, assisted by sporadic nearest neighbor matching to patterns of a small reference set.

Neural Networks

Today, Reid Hall primarily houses administrative offices and classrooms and also has a small reference library, a student lounge, and two large conference rooms.

Columbia University

Reid Hall primarily houses administrative offices and classrooms and also has a small reference library, a reading room, lounges, a multimedia lab, and two large conference rooms.

Columbia University

For the analysis of low-velocity impact, this work provides an analytic scaling approach, permitting to analyze structural impact scenarios on a small reference coupon.

Composite Structures

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

There is a competition in the center of the piece, but I thought it would be great to start with a smaller reference of what would have been common in the marketplace, to get a sense of how the 'entertainer' was developed".

The New York Times - Arts

Although the number of identified SNPs will be smaller because fewer reads align to a smaller reference genome, this strategy will suffice in many situations.

Plosone

As detailed in Materials and Methods, we sought to address this problem by using clustering to generate a smaller reference set with representative compounds; the results are summarized in the section 'Accelerated target-finding with a reduced reference set'.

Database : the journal of biological databases and curation

Very similar results (data not shown) have been obtained with 5000 and 40 000 simulated datasets selected for the local linear regression, as well as when using a smaller reference table (1 million datasets).

Bioinformatics

However, in simulations with a smaller reference database and 200 reads, pplacer tends to more severely overestimate branch lengths, i.e., its mean DF third quartiles are much higher than those of the other methods, regardless of read length.

BMC Genomics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a small reference", ensure the context clarifies what is being referenced and why its brevity is relevant.

Common error

Avoid using "a small reference" when the reference is actually crucial to the discussion. It can mislead readers about the importance of the cited material.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a small reference" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It describes the act of mentioning or alluding to something briefly.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

25%

Academia

25%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a small reference" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a brief or limited mention of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is versatile and can be used in various contexts, including science, academia, and news media. When employing this phrase, ensure the context makes it clear what is being referenced and why its brevity is noteworthy. Be careful not to overstate the significance of something described as "a small reference" if it plays a crucial role in the overall discussion. Alternatives like "a brief mention" or "a minor citation" can be used depending on the desired nuance. The key is to accurately convey the extent and importance of the reference within the given context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a brief mention

Focuses on the brevity of the reference.

a minor citation

Emphasizes the insignificance of the citation.

a passing remark

Highlights the casual and transient nature of the reference.

a fleeting allusion

Suggests a short and indirect reference.

a subtle hint

Implies an understated and delicate reference.

a light touch

Indicates a gentle and minimal reference.

a cursory note

Emphasizes the superficiality of the reference.

a limited acknowledgment

Highlights the restrictiveness of the acknowledgment.

a token gesture

Suggests a symbolic and perfunctory reference.

a marginal notation

Emphasizes that the reference is on the periphery of the topic.

FAQs

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

You can use "a small reference" to indicate that something is mentioned briefly or indirectly. For example, "The author makes "a small reference" to historical events in the introduction".

What are some alternatives to "a small reference"?

Alternatives include "a brief mention", "a minor citation", or "a passing remark", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

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

Yes, "a small reference" is appropriate in formal writing when accurately describing the extent of a citation or mention. Ensure the context and tone align with the overall formality of your piece.

What's the difference between "a small reference" and "a detailed analysis"?

"A small reference" indicates a brief mention, while "a detailed analysis" implies an in-depth examination. Use "a small reference" when something is only touched upon lightly, and "a detailed analysis" when it's thoroughly explored.