a small serial

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a small serial" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a brief series of items, events, or episodes, often in the context of television shows, books, or other media. Example: "I just finished watching a small serial that was only three episodes long, but it was quite engaging."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Investigators in a small serial ultrasound study recently reported that evidence of subacute crystal dissolution was seen only in patients with sustained SUA levels of 6 mg/dl or lower [ 34].

Arthritis Research and Therapy

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

This system is a small serial-link robot.

IFAC Proceedings Volumes

In our approach, small serial samples were taken from the bath at a site downstream from the brain slice and isoflurane concentrations were determined by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) for correlation with measures of synaptic transmission.

Plosone

If the recipient site is judged to be too small, serial expansions or preexpansion can help to increase recipient capacity, as recommended by Del Vecchio [ 9].

Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Our study, although performed with a small case series, shows that a serial increase in CA15-3 can predict positive PETCT results and detect the presence of residual disease in patients during therapeutic treatment who show negative PETCT results.

BMC Cancer

Leaves were homogenized in 400 μL of PBS and 200 μL of ballotini (Sigma Aldrich) with a small pestle, and serial dilutions of the supernatant were plated on selective KB medium (2% protease peptone, 0.15% MgSO4-7H2O, 0.2% KH2PO4, 1% glycerol, 1.2% agar, 25 μg/μL Rifampicin).

BMC Genomics

Accessing via Broadband on Mobile (BOM) - BOM is a small portable USB universal serial bus) device with SIM card that dials your service provider to grant access to Internet.

WikiHow

Bronwyn is a small business owner and serial entrepreneur whose driver is small business success in regional areas.

Huffington Post

In 2003, Strickland was cast opposite Eddie Cibrian in the pilot episode for an uncommissioned small screen serial adaptation of John Grisham's novel The Street Lawyer.

Wikipedia

It's about a small prairie town assailed by serial killers.

The Guardian - Film

He smiles, gives a small wave and then the serial killer who never was is led away.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a small serial", ensure the context clearly indicates what the serial refers to (e.g., a series of medical tests, a TV show, etc.) to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a small serial" when a more specific term like "short series" or "limited run" would provide clearer and more precise meaning. Consider your audience and the specific context to ensure clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a small serial" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun. The adjective "small" limits the scope of the noun "serial", indicating a brief or limited sequence. Ludwig examples shows this usage in contexts like ultrasound studies and data sets.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

33%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a small serial" is used to describe a brief or limited sequence, applicable across various domains from scientific research to media content. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct. While alternatives like "short series" or "limited sequence" exist, "a small serial" emphasizes the sequential nature of the items. Its usage is relatively rare, but generally accepted and suitable for neutral contexts. Be precise when using this phrase to ensure clear communication and avoid overgeneralization. It can be used to add detail, although it may be advisable to lean towards specificity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A short series

Replaces "serial" with "series", emphasizing a limited number of episodes or installments.

A limited serial

Substitutes "small" with "limited", highlighting the restricted scope or quantity of the serial.

A brief serial

Uses "brief" instead of "small" to indicate the serial's concise duration.

A minor serial

Employs "minor" to suggest the serial is of lesser importance or scale.

A compact serial

Replaces "small" with "compact", stressing the serial's condensed nature.

A truncated serial

Implies the serial has been cut short or is incomplete.

A miniature serial

Highlights the extremely reduced size or scope of the serial.

A pocket serial

Suggests a portable or easily accessible version of the serial.

A scaled-down serial

Emphasizes the serial has been reduced in size or complexity.

A condensed serial

Suggests the serial's content has been compressed or made more concise.

FAQs

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

You can use "a small serial" to describe a brief sequence of events or items. For example, "The doctor ordered "a small serial" of blood tests to monitor the patient's progress".

What can I say instead of "a small serial"?

You can use alternatives like "a short series", "a limited run", or "a brief sequence" depending on the context. These options may provide more clarity and specificity.

Is "a small serial" the same as "a small series"?

While similar, "a small serial" often implies a specific order or progression, whereas "a small series" is more general and simply refers to a limited number of items or events that are related. The best option depends on the intended nuance.

When is it appropriate to use "a small serial" over other alternatives?

Use "a small serial" when emphasizing a short, ordered sequence of events or items. For example, in medical contexts or technical processes where sequential steps are important.