a small share

USAGE SUMMARY

'a small share' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you need to describe a portion or amount that is smaller than what is typical or expected. For example: "I received a small share of the inheritance, but I was still grateful."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Coal has probably never supplied such a small share".

The Guardian

Worse, only a small share of them manage to finish.

The New York Times

Today, cycling is however used for only a small share of everyday trips.

Transportation Research Procedia

In most rich countries, land-value taxes account for a small share of total revenues.

The Economist

But only a small share of disputes are taken up, whereas discontents are multiplying.

The Economist

But this is just a small share of what the government spends on housing.

The New York Times

Yet, so far, only a small share of eligible homeowners have received permanent loan modifications.

The New York Times

To be sure, the play, directed by Josh Hecht, has a small share of decent moments.

The New York Times

But these factors account for only a small share of the growing cost.

The New York Times

Apple's strategy has been to carve out a small share of a massive market.

The New York Times

Only a small share lay the blame at the door of the KMT.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a small share", ensure the context clearly indicates what the share is a portion of. For example, "a small share of the market" is more informative than just "a small share".

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the impact of "a small share". While it might be tempting to emphasize even a minor portion, ensure your description accurately reflects its limited importance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a small share" functions primarily as a determiner phrase modifying a noun. It indicates a limited quantity or portion of something. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in describing portions smaller than expected.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a small share" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to describe a limited portion or quantity of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, including news, science, and business. When using this phrase, it's important to provide clear context about what the share refers to and to avoid overstating its significance. Alternatives like "a modest portion" or "a tiny fraction" can be used depending on the nuance you want to convey. The phrase is generally neutral in register and widely understood, making it a versatile choice for expressing limited quantity or participation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a modest portion

Replaces "share" with "portion", emphasizing the limited quantity in a slightly more formal tone.

a limited amount

Substitutes "share" with "amount", focusing on the quantity aspect and maintaining a similar level of generality.

a tiny fraction

Replaces "small" with "tiny" and "share" with "fraction", intensifying the smallness and suggesting a part of a whole.

a negligible quantity

Uses "negligible" to highlight the insignificance of the amount, changing the emphasis to its lack of importance.

a reduced percentage

Focuses on the proportional aspect of the share, indicating a decrease or lower value than expected.

a minor segment

Replaces "share" with "segment", suitable when referring to a portion of a market or group.

a fractional part

Uses "fractional" to emphasize the partial and often incomplete nature of the share.

a slim slice

Employs a more visual metaphor, suggesting a thin or narrow portion of something.

a small piece

Utilizes "piece" as a general term for a part, maintaining simplicity and broad applicability.

a limited segment

Uses "limited" to highlight the restricted nature of the portion, emphasizing scarcity.

FAQs

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

You can use "a small share" to describe a limited portion of something, such as "The company holds "a small share" of the market" or "Only "a small share" of the budget was allocated to marketing".

What are some alternatives to "a small share"?

Alternatives include "a modest portion", "a limited amount", or "a tiny fraction", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "a small share" or "a minority share"?

The choice depends on the context. "A small share" emphasizes the size of the portion, while "a minority share" indicates a stake that does not grant control, particularly in business or investment contexts.

What does "a small share" imply in a business context?

In business, "a small share" often implies a limited stake in a company or market, suggesting less influence or control compared to larger shareholders or competitors.