a small survey

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a small survey" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a brief or limited questionnaire designed to gather information or opinions from a group of people. Example: "We conducted a small survey to understand customer preferences regarding our new product line."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was a small survey, but guess what?

The Guardian

I started the week off by starting a small survey project.

Cornell University

Additional demographic data were obtained through a small survey administered via Google Docs.

Harvard University

JACK TWORKOV A small survey of paintings and drawings in watercolor and charcoal, spanning the late fifties and the sixties.

The New Yorker

A small survey by Artsy.net, an online platform that promotes and sells art, bears this influence out, with caveats.

The New York Times - Arts

That striking image is part of a small survey, "Wang Qingsong: When Worlds Collide," at the International Center of Photography.

The New York Times - Arts

Responses to a small survey of staff and students about the use and operation of the conditioners are presented.

Energy and Buildings

This varied experience makes a fascinating backdrop for a small survey of paintings and drawings dating from 1876 to 1941 (Ensor died in 1949).

The New Yorker

Because the unemployment rate is based on a small survey and is extremely volatile, many economists prefer to look at data on job creation.

The New York Times

The unemployment rate, which is derived from a small survey of households, declined to 7.1percentt from 7.3percentt after seasonal adjustment.

The New York Times

Here is what I learned from attending Super Bowl XXXV with my father, Norman, and conducting a small survey with the help of four interviewers.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a small survey", clarify the sample size or scope to provide context for its findings. This helps avoid overgeneralization and ensures readers understand the limitations.

Common error

Avoid presenting the findings of "a small survey" as conclusive evidence or representative of a larger population. Always acknowledge its limited scope and potential for bias.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a small survey" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is used to refer to a limited or brief investigation designed to gather information from a specific group.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

47%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a small survey" is a common and grammatically correct way to refer to a limited or brief investigation, as validated by Ludwig. Predominantly used in science, news media, and academic contexts, it serves to introduce studies that may not be extensive in scope. While the phrase is quite frequent, it's important to clarify the sample size and avoid overstating results, acknowledging its limitations. Alternatives like "a limited study" or "a brief questionnaire" offer similar meanings. Ludwig's analysis emphasizes the importance of contextual awareness when using this phrase to ensure accurate and responsible communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a mini-survey

Uses a more informal term to describe the survey's size.

a short inquiry

Highlights the limited length of the investigation.

a limited study

Emphasizes the restricted scope or scale of the investigation.

a brief questionnaire

Highlights the concise and focused nature of the data collection method.

a targeted survey

Implies the survey aims a particular group of people.

a pilot survey

Implies that the survey is a preliminary test or trial run.

a focused assessment

Stresses the targeted and specific nature of the evaluation.

a compact survey

Implies the survey is efficiently designed to gather relevant information.

a narrow investigation

Highlights the specific nature and possible limitations of the investigation.

a concise inquiry

Focuses on the brevity and directness of the questioning process.

FAQs

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

You can use "a small survey" to introduce a limited study, such as: "A small survey of students revealed that most prefer online resources."

What are some alternatives to "a small survey"?

Consider using alternatives such as "a limited study", "a brief questionnaire", or "a pilot survey" to describe a survey with a restricted scope.

Is it appropriate to generalize findings from "a small survey" to a larger population?

No, it's generally not appropriate. The findings from "a small survey" should be interpreted with caution and not be overgeneralized due to the limited sample size. Always acknowledge the limitations of the survey.

What makes "a small survey" different from a large-scale survey?

The primary difference lies in the sample size and scope. "A small survey" involves fewer participants and covers a narrower range of questions compared to a large-scale survey, which aims for broader representation and more comprehensive data.