a small subset

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a small subset" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it whenever you need to refer to a limited or small portion of a larger group. For example, "The teacher chose a small subset of the class to work on the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But this is only a small subset of the job.

Harvard Business Review

However, a small subset of patients remains normohomocysteinemic.

American Journal of Kidney Diseases

Only a small subset of strains is pathogenic.

Journal of Microbiological Methods

Conversations about bombings and attacking Parliament appeared to involve only a small subset of the group.

The New York Times

Pandas cases represent a small subset of all children who have O.C.D.

The New York Times - Health

In a small subset of diffuse esophageal spasm patients ( 5%), vigorous or classic achalasia develops.

Nature

But only a small subset of these processes for inventing are based on hard evidence.

Harvard Business Review

There's a small subset of projects that get funded [on Kickstarter] that could turn into companies.

MIT Technology Review

Mann represents a small subset of this field of study, namely millennial-scale climate reconstructions.

University of California, Berkeley

This list is a small subset of Sherpa commands where stacking could be utilized.

Harvard University

The new paper takes as an example a small subset of Australia's flora, its acacia trees.

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Quantify the size of the "small subset" whenever possible to give the reader a clearer understanding of the proportion being discussed (e.g., "a small subset of 10%", "only 5 out of 100").

Common error

Avoid using "a small subset" when the group is actually substantial. Overusing the phrase can diminish the impact and make it seem like everything is a "small subset", even when it is not.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a small subset" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject or object within a sentence. It indicates a limited or minor portion of a larger group, as demonstrated by examples in Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Academia

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a small subset" is a versatile phrase used to denote a limited portion of a larger group across various contexts including News & Media, Science, and Academia. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. When using this phrase, ensure that the larger group is clearly defined, and consider quantifying the size of the subset for better clarity. While "a small subset" is generally acceptable, avoid overusing it or applying it to groups that are not actually small. Consider using alternatives like "a limited selection" or "a tiny fraction" for variety. Be mindful of the scale and specificity to enhance your writing's precision and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a limited selection

Replaces "subset" with "selection", emphasizing the act of choosing a small group.

a tiny fraction

Uses "fraction" to highlight the small proportion of the whole.

a minor segment

Employs "segment" to suggest a distinct, smaller part of a larger whole.

a handful of

Uses an idiom to convey a small quantity or number.

a restricted number

Highlights the limitation in quantity.

a select few

Emphasizes the exclusivity or special nature of the small group.

a reduced portion

Focuses on the diminished size of the portion.

a negligible quantity

Stresses the insignificance of the amount.

a discrete cluster

Highlights that it's a separate group

a scattering of

Emphasizes the sparse distribution of the items.

FAQs

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

You can use "a small subset" to refer to a limited or minor portion of a larger group. For example, "A small subset of the population experiences side effects from the medication."

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

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "a limited selection", "a tiny fraction", or "a minor segment" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it always necessary to specify the size of "a small subset"?

While not always necessary, specifying the size or proportion of "a small subset" can provide clarity and prevent misinterpretations. For instance, instead of saying "a small subset of users", you could say "a small subset (5%) of users".

In what contexts is "a small subset" most commonly used?

"A small subset" is frequently used in academic writing, scientific research, news reporting, and business communications to describe a limited portion of a larger group or population.