a small subset of

USAGE SUMMARY

"a small subset of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to only a portion of a larger group or set. For example, "Although we have a large collection of books, I am only interested in a small subset of them."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

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

When using "a small subset of", ensure the larger set is clearly defined or understood within the context. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a small subset of" when referring to something that is already inherently small. It's redundant to say "a small subset of the crumbs" when simply "a few crumbs" is more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a small subset of" functions as a determiner phrase, specifically quantifying a portion of a larger set. It indicates that the following noun represents a minor portion of a broader category, as seen in Ludwig's numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Academia

28%

Science

26%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a small subset of" is a versatile phrase used to denote a minor portion of a larger group. Ludwig's analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across diverse fields, including science, news, and academia. While alternatives like "a small fraction of" or "a limited portion of" exist, the choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Remember to use this phrase judiciously, ensuring the larger set is clear and avoiding redundancy. As such, "a small subset of" is a useful tool for precise and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a small fraction of

Emphasizes a numerical comparison, suggesting a very small proportion.

a limited portion of

Highlights the restriction or boundary of the selection.

a tiny segment of

Stresses the diminutive size of the selected part.

a select few within

Implies a deliberate choice or exclusivity in the selection.

only a handful of

Underscores the scarcity or small number of items chosen.

a minority of

Highlights the smaller number in relation to the majority.

a restricted number of

Focuses on the controlled or limited quantity.

a measured amount of

Implies that the part selected was deliberately controlled, quantified, or restrained in some way.

a slim percentage of

Specifically notes the reduced size in terms of relative statistical frequency.

a sample selection of

Expresses that the part being identified represents a selection out of a larger pool or quantity.

FAQs

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

Use "a small subset of" to indicate that you are referring to only a small part of a larger group. For example, "A small subset of the data was used for the analysis."

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

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "a small fraction of", "a limited portion of", or "only a handful of".

Is it redundant to say "a small subset of"?

While generally acceptable, in some contexts, "a small subset of" can be redundant if the original set is already understood to be limited. Consider whether "subset" is necessary or if a simpler term would suffice.

How does "a small subset of" differ from "most of"?

"A small subset of" indicates a very small portion, while "most of" implies a large majority. They are near opposites in meaning.