a small supply of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a small supply of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a limited quantity of something, often in contexts related to resources or provisions. Example: "We have a small supply of food left for the camping trip, so we need to ration it carefully."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

We have a small supply of oseltamivir, 200 pills".

The Guardian

GREENS FARMS -- No ticket agent, but a small supply of schedules.

The New York Times

As part of his instruction, Bardon gave his pupils a small supply of acrylic paint.

The New Yorker

The ship maintains a small supply of medicines which are under the control of the ship's captain.

Columbia University

The Ismayilovs have a small supply of flour, potatoes, oil and onions to see them through the week.

Independent

A small supply of water mandated by the treaty, along with excess water that flows off of irrigated fields, have been dedicated to the restoration.

Yale University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

Such a mismatch-a smaller supply of oxygen to the heart coupled with a greater demand for oxygen by the heart-sets you up for a heart attack.

Harvard University

"We all compete for a smaller supply of students than we would like".

The New York Times

The Pacific Ocean has a smaller supply of continental sediment than the Atlantic Ocean, and numerous trenches and local rises separate the main ocean floor from the continents, preventing the seaward transport of sediment.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"We all compete for a smaller supply of students than we would like". There is also a demand for part-time workers, said Alan E. Weiner, a former president of the New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants and a senior tax partner at Holtz Rubenstein Reminick in Melville.

The New York Times

Idaho border towns now also face a smaller supply of minimum wage workers and see an increase in wages.The article notes that Washington businesses did not move to Idaho to take advantage of lower wages, but they had no incentive to move.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a small supply of", be specific about what the supply consists of to provide clarity to the reader. For example, instead of just saying "a small supply", specify "a small supply of water" or "a small supply of medicine".

Common error

Avoid using "a small supply of" when referring to something that is clearly abundant. The phrase implies scarcity, so ensure it aligns with the actual quantity being described.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a small supply of" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence. It describes a limited quantity of something, often essential items like food, medicine, or resources. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Academia

21%

Wiki

18%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a small supply of" is a noun phrase used to indicate a limited quantity of something, and Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It is commonly used in news, academic, and general contexts to convey scarcity. When writing, it's best to be specific about what the supply consists of and ensure the amount is indeed limited. Related phrases like ""a limited quantity of"" or ""a meager amount of"" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. This phrase is a useful tool for accurately describing limited resources in various situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a limited quantity of

Emphasizes the restriction in the amount available.

a meager amount of

Highlights the insufficiency or inadequacy of the supply.

a scarce provision of

Indicates that the item is not readily available.

a restricted quantity of

Focuses on the controlled or limited nature of the supply.

a modest reserve of

Implies a limited but adequate amount held back for future use.

a trifling stock of

Suggests a very insignificant or negligible amount.

a diminutive provision of

Highlights the extremely small size of the supply.

a handful of

Uses a more figurative way to express "a small supply of", suggesting that you can count how many there are with a handful.

a trickle of

It uses a metaphor to suggest how slow, small, and inconsistent the supply is.

an insufficient stock of

Indicates that the amount available does not meet the requirements.

FAQs

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

You can use "a small supply of" to describe a limited quantity of something. For example: "The refugees had "a small supply of food" to last them through the week."

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

Some alternatives include "a limited quantity of", "a meager amount of", or "a scarce provision of", depending on the context.

Is it more appropriate to say "a small supply of" or "a limited supply of"?

Both "a small supply of" and "a limited supply of" are grammatically correct. The choice depends on the nuance you want to convey. "Small" emphasizes the quantity, while "limited" stresses the restriction.

What is the difference between "a small supply of" and "a large supply of"?

"A small supply of" indicates a limited amount, whereas "a large supply of" suggests an abundant amount. They are antonyms describing opposite ends of the quantity spectrum.