a small selection

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a small selection" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a limited number of items or choices available from a larger group. Example: "The store offers a small selection of organic fruits and vegetables."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Food

Travel

Arts

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Below, a small selection from the day.

The New Yorker

Below is a small selection of them.

The Guardian - Film

Here's a small selection of their responses.

The New York Times

Following is a small selection, both new and old.

The New York Times - Food

A small selection of Holbein's engravings are also on view.

The New York Times - Arts

A small selection of items are being exhibited until April.

The Guardian - Books

Here's a small selection of Gallant's stories from our archives.

The New Yorker

Pack a small selection of Olympic-standard sugary snacks.

The Guardian - Sport

You'll find a small selection of Sandy-related pieces below.

The New Yorker

The exhibition includes a small selection of color photographs.

The New Yorker

There's a small selection of gifts just outside Wonderlab.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a small selection", ensure it accurately reflects the actual quantity or range. Avoid using it if the selection is, in fact, quite extensive.

Common error

Avoid using "a small selection" when the items being referred to are actually quite numerous or diverse. Misrepresenting the quantity can mislead the audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a small selection" functions as a pre-modifier followed by a noun. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and usable in written English. It modifies a noun to indicate a limited quantity or variety, as seen in examples such as "Here's a small selection of the best places."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Food

8%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Travel

5%

Science

5%

Arts

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a small selection" is a versatile expression used to denote a limited quantity or range of items. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and widely applicable. It functions as a pre-modifier, setting expectations for the audience by indicating that only a subset of a larger collection is being presented. Common in news, food, and travel contexts, its register remains largely neutral, making it suitable for diverse forms of communication. Remember to use it accurately to reflect the true scale of the selection.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a limited assortment

Emphasizes the restricted variety available.

a handful of choices

Suggests a very small, almost countable number of options.

a limited number

Focuses on the restricted quantity rather than the variety.

a few examples

Highlights that the items are representative instances.

a sample of

Implies that the selection is intended to provide a representative overview.

a modest collection

Suggests a small and unpretentious group of items.

a token representation

Emphasizes that the selection is merely symbolic or minimal.

a curated list

Suggests a carefully chosen, limited set of options, often implying high quality.

a concise compilation

Highlights that the selection is brief and to the point.

a narrow spectrum

Focuses on the limited range or scope of the items.

FAQs

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

"A small selection" is typically used to indicate that you are presenting only a limited number of items or examples from a larger pool. For instance, "Here's "a small selection" of the best places to visit."

What are some alternatives to "a small selection"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "a limited assortment", "a handful of choices", or "a few examples". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "a small selection" or "a limited selection"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. "A small selection" emphasizes the quantity, while "a limited selection" highlights the restricted nature of the choice. The better option depends on which aspect you want to emphasize.

When should I not use "a small selection"?

Avoid using "a small selection" if the actual number of items is significantly larger than what would typically be considered small. It's important to accurately represent the quantity to avoid misleading your audience.