a small review of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a small review of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when introducing a brief evaluation or summary of a particular subject, topic, or work. Example: "In this article, I will provide a small review of the latest research on climate change."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"After Hirsi Ali moved to the United States, many who had rallied around her pro-woman views were stunned when she became a fellow at the conservative American Enterprise Institute," notes a small review of "Nomad" in the current issue of Elle magazine.

The New York Times

This paper is a small review of the use of computer simulations and especially the use of standard quantum-mechanical ab initio electronic structure calculations to rationally design and investigate different choices of chemicals/systems for lithium battery electrolytes.

Journal of Power Sources

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Maybe they'll miss this small review of a rather large book.

The New York Times - Books

Our study is a small retrospective review of a single-surgeon series of patients with the inherent limitations of such a study.

Strategies in Trauma and Limb Reconstruction

A small systematic review of behavioural therapy in older adults (Samad, Brealey, & Gilbody, 2011) recently showed that CBT seems to have comparable effectiveness with alternative psychotherapies in older age, even though only four studies were included.

Behaviour Research and Therapy

But as the two stadiums near completion, the cost to taxpayers is anything but small, a review of the projects shows.

The New York Times

In a further complication to the "Operation Dark Heart" case, a small number of review copies of the original uncensored edition had been distributed before the Pentagon bought the 10,000 copies.

The New York Times

Only a small number of review authors were based in low-income settings.

BMJ Open

A small number of review articles have summarised existing studies and concluded that there is likely an adverse effect of air pollution on pregnancy outcome (28).

Global Health Action

The overwhelming body of evidence for NCDs pertains to high-income countries, with only a small number of review authors based in low-income settings.

BMJ Open

A small number of review articles have summarized existing studies and concluded that there is likely an adverse effect of air pollution on pregnancy outcome (Glinianaia et al. 2004; Ritz and Wilhelm 2008; Šrám et al. 2005).

Environmental Health Perspectives

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a small review of" to introduce focused summaries of complex topics, allowing readers to quickly grasp key information without being overwhelmed by excessive detail.

Common error

Avoid using "a small review of" if you intend to provide a comprehensive or in-depth analysis. This phrase suggests brevity and a limited perspective, so ensure your content matches this description.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a small review of" functions as an introductory phrase, often used to signal that the subsequent content will provide a brief summary or evaluation of a topic. It sets the expectation for a concise overview, as supported by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a small review of" is a grammatically correct phrase used to introduce a brief summary or evaluation of a topic. As Ludwig highlights, it signals that the content will provide a concise overview, setting clear expectations for the reader. While the phrase is relatively uncommon, it appears in both news and scientific contexts. When using this phrase, it is important to ensure the scope of your review aligns with the implied brevity to avoid misleading the audience. Alternatives such as "a brief overview of" or "a concise summary of" can be used to convey similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a brief overview of

Replaces "review" with "overview", suggesting a less detailed examination.

a concise summary of

Substitutes "review" with "summary" and "small" with "concise", emphasizing brevity.

a short assessment of

Replaces "review" with "assessment" and "small" with "short", indicating a quick evaluation.

a quick examination of

Uses "examination" instead of "review", implying a closer look but still brief.

a limited analysis of

Emphasizes the restricted scope of the analysis.

a snapshot of

Offers a metaphorical representation of a brief glimpse.

a thumbnail sketch of

Suggests a very brief and basic outline.

a cursory look at

Implies a superficial and quick glance.

a compact appraisal of

Focuses on the condensed nature of the evaluation.

a miniature critique of

Highlights the small scale of the critical analysis.

FAQs

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

You can use "a small review of" to introduce a brief summary or evaluation of a topic. For example: "This article provides a "a small review of" recent studies on climate change."

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

Alternatives include "a brief overview of", "a concise summary of", or "a short assessment of", depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "a small review of" instead of "a comprehensive analysis of"?

"A small review of" is appropriate when you are presenting a limited examination of a topic, whereas "a comprehensive analysis of" implies a more thorough and detailed investigation.

What does "a small review of" imply about the depth of coverage?

"A small review of" indicates that the coverage will be concise and focused, providing key points without extensive detail or exhaustive analysis.