a small reservation

USAGE SUMMARY

'a small reservation' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation in which someone has expressed doubt or hesitance about something. For example, "Despite a small reservation, I agree with the plan."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Unlike some tribes left with only a casino or a small reservation, the Nez Perce are not a mere passive presence in this part of the West.

The New York Times

The crime occurred within Pascua Yaqui territory — a small reservation covering three and a half square miles with nearly 5,000 residents living in modest homes set against the tan-and-khaki-color palette of the Sonoran desert.

Vice

There is a small reservation while using movement and fragmentation index as it still is slightly unclear parameter [ 3].

BMC Physiology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

The document ultimately forced the tribe, which once dominated a vast swath of Montana, onto a smaller reservation.

The New York Times

Ms. Park has a few small reservations: there are too many steps, and the woodwork collects dust.

The New York Times

Belarus under Lukashenko, she says, has become a "small totalitarian reservation" inside Europe.

The Guardian - Books

A consistent, legendary source of manpower over the years has been a small Indian reservation in Quebec a few miles outside Montreal, the Kahnawake.

The New York Times

My one small reservation is that sometimes it all gets a bit too slick and stylish for its own good.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

We believe language should be adaptable, but we can't help adding one small reservation.

The New Yorker

Not least because "The Slap" appears to refute this small reservation, the collection's opening story is my favorite among the new offerings, and may even rival "Cat 'n' Mouse" and "A Visit" in my Millhauser hall of fame.

The New York Times - Books

Miya Francis, 25, who is from the small reservation town of Lupton, Ariz., said she believed that reducing the council might force delegates to pay more attention to their communities and advocate for them.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to land, use "a small reservation" to accurately describe the limited geographical area designated for a specific group or purpose. It's especially relevant in the context of indigenous territories.

Common error

Avoid using "a small reservation" when intending to convey a large or significant one. Ensure the adjective accurately reflects the actual size or impact to maintain clarity and avoid misrepresentation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a small reservation" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "small" modifies "reservation". It can describe a geographical area or a feeling, depending on the context, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a small reservation" is a grammatically sound phrase that Ludwig confirms to be useful in describing a limited doubt or a geographical area. While Ludwig identified its frequency as uncommon, its usage spans various contexts, primarily in news and media. It's crucial to ensure that the adjective "small" accurately reflects the magnitude of the reservation—whether it's a minor hesitancy or a limited geographical space—to avoid misrepresentation. Related phrases like "minor concern" or "slight hesitation" offer alternative ways to convey similar meanings with slightly different nuances. The source quality and grammatical correctness contribute to a good expert rating for this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a minor concern

Focuses on the level of worry rather than a formal exception or a geographical area.

a slight hesitation

Highlights the pause or reluctance involved, differing from a firm condition or land designation.

a small qualification

Emphasizes the limiting aspect or condition applied, diverging from locations or expressions of doubt.

a limited preserve

Implies a protected zone of reduced size, shifting the focus to conservation over general booking or sentiment.

a miniature sanctuary

Suggests a smaller, more intimate refuge, unlike a mere booking or expression of concern.

a tiny enclave

Concentrates on the isolated nature of a place, rather than its size concerning pre-arrangements or skepticism.

a restricted section

Highlights controlled access or limitations within an area, which differs from sentiments or bookings.

a modest tract

Indicates a plot of land of limited size, diverging from the concept of appointments or uncertainties.

a small tract of land

The alternative is focused on geographical description. Shifts emphasis from hesitancy or arrangements to physical space.

a patch of ground

Emphasizes the earth itself and the physical space rather than a booking or a hesitant opinion.

FAQs

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

You can use "a small reservation" to describe a minor doubt, as in "I have "a small reservation" about the plan, but I'll proceed." Or, to describe a geographic place, "The tribe was granted "a small reservation".".

What's the difference between "a small reservation" and "a slight hesitation"?

"A small reservation" can refer to a minor doubt or a geographical area, while "a slight hesitation" typically refers to a pause or reluctance. The context dictates the most appropriate choice.

What can I say instead of "a small reservation" when referring to land?

When referring to land, you could use alternatives like "limited preserve", "modest tract", or "tiny enclave", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "a small reservation" the same as "a minor concern"?

While both phrases suggest something is not a major issue, ""a small reservation"" implies a specific doubt or condition, whereas "a minor concern" refers more broadly to a worry or issue.