a small run

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a small run" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a limited or short production of items, often in contexts like manufacturing, printing, or events. Example: "We decided to do a small run of the new product to test the market before committing to a larger production."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

A small run of co-branded machines resulted, selling out at $2,500, which was high at the time.

The New York Times

Woodson thought Anthony's 3-pointer in front of Dallas's bench, to stop a small run by the Mavericks, was the biggest basket in the game.

The New York Times - Sports

Bossie also engineered a small run of the movie in theatres, but his real priorities were television advertisements and video on demand.

The New Yorker

First published in a small run in 1982, The Woman in Black is no longer a book so much as a global franchise.

The Guardian - Books

He is already talking about a screen version of Iceman, and foresees a small run of films based on plays, because the material is to hand and he sees a ready way into it.

The Guardian - Film

After the show had finished he then joined up with Wade Barratt's group the Nexus, after a small run in the company with the Nexus he was eventually put out of action indefinitely following a punt from Randy Orton.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

Rajee & his wife live in a small, run-down apartment.

The New Yorker

A movie star walks into a small, run-down New York studio.

The New York Times

I found him in a small, run-down apartment building in a quiet residential neighborhood.

The New Yorker

It was established by Pastor Fred Phelps in 1955 in a small, run-down building.

The Economist

The New Yorker, March 31 , 1973P. 34 Rajee & his wife live in a small, run-down apartment.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair "a small run" with specific details about the product or activity to provide context, for example, "a small run of 500 books" or "a small run of theatrical performances".

Common error

Avoid using "a small run" when referring to ongoing or continuous processes. Reserve it for distinct, limited productions or events. For example, instead of saying 'The factory had a small run of production,' specify the limited nature: 'The factory produced a small run of a specific model'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a small run" functions as a noun phrase, where "small" is an adjective modifying the noun "run". It typically acts as a subject or object within a sentence, describing a limited or restricted production or duration. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a small run" is a grammatically sound and frequently used term to describe a limited production, series, or showing of something. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is often found in contexts ranging from news and media to science and wiki articles. This phrase effectively communicates a restricted scope and can be used to clarify production decisions or event planning. When writing, it is important to ensure that the context aligns with the concept of limited quantity or duration. Alternatives such as "limited production" or "trial batch" can be considered for nuanced meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a limited production

Emphasizes a restriction on the quantity produced.

a small batch

Refers to a reduced quantity, often in a culinary or manufacturing context.

a short series

Highlights the brief duration of a sequence of events or items.

a brief period

Focuses on the concise timeframe of an activity or event.

a trial batch

Suggests an experimental production to assess feasibility.

a pilot project

Indicates an initial, scaled-down version of a larger undertaking.

a limited edition

Highlights the exclusivity and scarcity of a product release.

a test print

Suggests a trial printing to assess quality.

a compact version

Highlights reduced version or release of something.

a token effort

Highlights the somewhat reduced or limited nature of something.

FAQs

What does "a small run" typically refer to?

The phrase "a small run" generally refers to a limited production, printing, or showing of something. It indicates that the quantity or duration is intentionally restricted.

What are some alternatives to using "a small run"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "limited production", "short series", "trial batch", or "limited edition".

Is it grammatically correct to say "a small run of"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The phrase "a small run of" is often followed by the item being produced or the event taking place, such as "a small run of books" or "a small run of performances".

How is "a small run" different from a mass production?

"A small run" implies a limited quantity, often for testing the market or creating exclusive items. Mass production, on the other hand, involves producing large quantities of a product to meet widespread demand.