a smaller subset

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a smaller subset" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a portion of a larger group that is itself smaller in size or scope. Example: "In our research, we focused on a smaller subset of the population to gather more specific data."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

For a smaller subset of the population, however, today is Corduroy Day.

The New Yorker

But there is also a smaller subset of adults who resist cellphones simply because they do not want them.

The New York Times - Tech

A smaller subset, around 1,000, have agreed to let researchers autopsy their bodies after they die.

The Washington Post

But his critics say Trump is unfairly conflating crime from a smaller subset of immigrants with the broader undocumented population.

The Washington Post

In a smaller subset of analysis (Fig. 5; Supplementary Fig. 8), we also included neurons missing LFP recordings.

Nature

Then a smaller subset (normally around 300-strong) receives briefing materials from the opposing advocacy groups.

The Economist

Laboratory markers of coagulation (prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, fibrinogen) were also assessed in a smaller subset (21 patients).

Stanford University

A smaller subset of teachers surveyed said some parents were "too busy" to make breakfast, while others agreed that parents were "too lazy" to give their children breakfast.

The Guardian

"The question of academe is a smaller subset of the larger question of what does it mean to be a successful black person," said Mr. Early.

The New York Times

" But there is a smaller subset, according to Robert Smith, the Falkirk surgeon who carried out the amputations, known as apotemnophiliacs.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

But this is only a small subset of the job.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a smaller subset", ensure the larger set it's derived from is clearly defined in the context to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a smaller subset" without clearly establishing the original, larger set. This can confuse readers about what is being reduced or focused upon.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a smaller subset" functions as a determiner phrase that modifies a noun, indicating a portion of a larger group that is reduced in size or scope. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct to use to refer to a group of smaller size.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

39%

News & Media

36%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a smaller subset" is a grammatically sound phrase used to denote a reduced portion of a larger group, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Its primary function is to focus attention or analysis on a more specific segment. Examples sourced by Ludwig demonstrate its common usage in science, news media, and academic writing, showcasing its versatility. When employing this phrase, ensure that the original larger set is clearly defined to maintain clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a reduced portion

Focuses on the diminished quantity or size, emphasizing the reduction itself.

a limited segment

Highlights the restricted or finite nature of the part being considered.

a select group

Suggests that the portion is chosen specifically, implying a criteria for selection.

a fraction

Emphasizes that the group is a part of the whole, often quantitatively.

a minority

Highlights the relatively small number or representation compared to the majority.

a restricted number

Focuses on the limited quantity available or permitted.

a contained portion

Emphasizes the enclosed or defined nature of the segment within a larger context.

a piece

A less formal option that indicates a portion of something.

a subdivision

Highlights the separation or division from the larger set.

a slither

Very informal: small and not of much importance

FAQs

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

You can use "a smaller subset" to specify a portion of a group that is reduced in size or scope. For instance, "We analyzed a large dataset, and then focused on "a smaller subset" for detailed examination".

What are some alternatives to "a smaller subset"?

You can use alternatives like "a reduced portion", "a limited segment", or "a select group" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "a smaller subset" instead of "a small subset"?

"A smaller subset" implies that the subset is smaller relative to a known larger set. "A small subset" simply indicates the size of the subset without direct comparison to a larger group.

Is "a smaller subset" always referring to a numerical quantity?

Not necessarily. While often used in the context of numerical reduction, "a smaller subset" can also refer to a more refined or specific grouping based on characteristics, criteria, or other non-numerical factors.