a small subject

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a small subject" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a topic or theme that is minor or not extensive in scope. Example: "In our discussion today, we will focus on a small subject that often gets overlooked in larger debates."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

This site is a good example of how a "small" subject can be well--covered in a brief but informative fashion.

University of California, Berkeley

Some cameras (and meters) permit spot readings covering a small subject area only and give reliable exposures if this selected area is a medium subject tone.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Thin first novels can be deceptive; we often assume they're short because the author has chosen a small subject that doesn't warrant a heftier page count, a broader spine.

The New York Times - Books

Thus, the institution finishing first in a small subject like agriculture and forestry will not benefit in the overall table as much as the institution that finishes first in a subject like business and management studies, in which 111 institutions are active.

The Guardian

Don't confuse this process, optical zoom, with so-called digital zoom, a purely electronic process that selects a small subject area by throwing away the surrounding pixels: the pixel count of the area you select with digital zoom is the same as before, so you don't gain anything but a tighter composition, and the picture may look fuzzier.

The New York Times - Tech

For this reason, it is essential that PDSA cycles be conducted on a small subject sample during a narrow time-window before scaling changes up to the organization level (Berwick 1998; Cleary 2015; Wisdom et al. 2006).

Health & Justice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

"Having made food a more fashionable object," Gopnik writes, "we have ended by making eating a smaller subject".

The New York Times - Books

Nowadays, a smaller subject height may be accepted through the use of new cameras with higher resolutions.

Visualization in Engineering

In supplementary analyses with a smaller subject sample we also included the ratio of the cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers β-amyloid1-42 (Aβ42) over total tau protein (T-tau) as a potential predictor.

Alzheimer's Research and Therapy

In a smaller subject subset (n=16 40), the serum total IgE level was approximately twofold elevated in HR (p<0.01) and laRA (p<0.05), but with no deviation in eRA as compared with HC (figure 3B).

BMJ Open

A small study (24 subjects) has suggested that, for example, people read slower on iPads and Kindles.

MIT Technology Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a small subject", ensure the context clarifies why the subject is considered small, whether in terms of scope, importance, or complexity. This helps avoid ambiguity and ensures the reader understands the intended meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "a small subject" when the topic actually has broad implications or significance. This can undermine your credibility and mislead your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a small subject" functions primarily as a noun phrase, with "small" modifying the noun "subject". It denotes a topic, theme, or area of study that is limited in scope or significance. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a small subject" is a grammatically sound and usable expression that refers to a topic or area of study that is limited in scope or significance. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides various examples across academia, news media, and scientific domains. While the phrase itself is versatile, it's essential to clarify the context and purpose behind using "a small subject" to avoid ambiguity. Consider semantically similar alternatives, such as "a limited topic" or "a narrow field", to precisely convey the intended meaning in formal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a limited topic

Emphasizes the restricted scope of the subject matter.

a narrow field

Highlights the specific and confined nature of the area of study.

a minor theme

Suggests the subject is less important or significant.

a concise matter

Focuses on the brevity and succinctness of the subject.

a discrete point

Indicates a separate and distinct item of consideration.

a particular detail

Highlights a specific and often overlooked aspect.

a focused area

Emphasizes the concentration on a specific subject.

a simple item

Suggests the subject is uncomplicated and easy to understand.

a contained issue

Highlights that the problem or topic is restricted and manageable.

a select element

Suggests the subject is chosen or specific from a larger set.

FAQs

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

You can use "a small subject" to refer to a topic that is not very broad or complex. For example: "In this presentation, we'll be focusing on "a small subject" within the larger field of environmental science."

What are some alternatives to "a small subject"?

Alternatives include "a limited topic", "a minor theme", or "a narrow field". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "a small subject" in formal writing?

Yes, "a small subject" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when you need to emphasize the limited scope of the topic. However, consider more precise alternatives like "a focused area" or "a specific item" to enhance clarity.

What's the difference between "a small subject" and "a minor subject"?

"A small subject" refers to the scope or size of the topic, while "a minor subject" often implies that the topic is less important. While they can sometimes be interchangeable, "a minor subject" suggests a lower level of significance within a broader context.