a smaller subset of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a smaller subset of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a portion or smaller group that is part of a larger category or set. Example: "The research focused on a smaller subset of the population that exhibited specific behavioral traits."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 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

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

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

Once the first round of the project is complete, Dunn plans to examine the showerheads of a smaller subset of volunteers more closely.

The New Yorker

The Z-drugs, thought to interact with a smaller subset of GABA receptors than the benzodiazepines, were hoped to produce fewer side effects than those drugs.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

But this is only a small subset of the job.

Harvard Business Review

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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

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

Common error

Avoid using "a smaller subset of" without clearly indicating the larger group from which the subset is derived. For example, instead of saying "a smaller subset of users experienced issues", specify "a smaller subset of our 10,000 registered users experienced issues".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a smaller subset of" functions as a determiner phrase specifying a particular portion within a larger group. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is commonly used to identify a specific, limited portion of something, as demonstrated across numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

54%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a smaller subset of" is a versatile phrase used to denote a specific, limited portion within a larger group. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and widely accepted. Its primary function is to quantify and specify, making it suitable for formal, scientific, and news contexts. To ensure clarity, it's best practice to define the larger set from which the subset is derived. While many alternatives exist, such as "a reduced portion of" and "a limited selection of", the choice depends on the desired nuance. Understanding these guidelines ensures effective communication and accurate use of the phrase "a smaller subset of".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a reduced portion of

Emphasizes the reduction in size of the portion being considered.

a limited selection of

Highlights the act of choosing a restricted group from a larger set.

a narrower segment of

Focuses on the idea of a more specific or restricted segment within a larger group.

a minor section of

Indicates that the section being referred to is not a major component.

a fraction of

Implies that the subject is a small portion of a whole.

a small segment of

Similar to 'a narrower segment of' but uses different wording.

a limited number of

Emphasizes the quantity of elements within the subset.

a portion of

States that it is part of a whole, without necessarily indicating smallness

a contingent of

Similar to subset, but generally refers to people.

a division of

Denotes a part of a larger group or entity.

FAQs

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

"A smaller subset of" is used to indicate a portion of a larger group. For example, "A smaller subset of the data was used for the final analysis."

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

You can use alternatives such as "a reduced portion of", "a limited selection of", or "a narrower segment of depending on the context.

Is it always necessary to define the larger set when using "a smaller subset of"?

While not always grammatically required, defining the larger set provides clarity and context. Omitting it can sometimes lead to ambiguity.

What's the difference between "a smaller subset of" and "a small part of"?

"A smaller subset of" implies that the group being discussed is a portion of a larger, well-defined set, while "a small part of" is more general and doesn't necessarily imply a pre-defined group.