a tiny number of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a tiny number of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize a very small quantity. For example, "Only a tiny number of students chose to attend the school assembly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

In the vote on Iraq a decade ago, only a tiny number of Tory MPs opposed the invasion.

The Guardian - Opinion

For one, burglars are a tiny number of people.

The Guardian

A tiny number of tests show sex differences.

The Guardian - Opinion

This again is in a tiny number of cases.

The Guardian - Opinion

We know Beckett's literary style now; in 1933, only a tiny number of people did.

The Guardian - Books

Some of my favourite sitcoms have only ever been seen by a tiny number of people.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

For children, there were Saturday morning cartoons and a tiny number of shows during the week.

The New York Times - Arts

But a tiny number of children in those neighborhoods actually receive vouchers.

The New York Times

With N.P.V., the parties will have to "target" voters, not (a tiny number of) states.

The New Yorker

The truth is that the huge new allowances benefit a tiny number of people.

The Guardian - Money

They're decided by a tiny number of wholly unrepresentative people with dubious to nonexistent credentials.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a tiny number of" to emphasize how few items or individuals are being discussed, often to highlight rarity or insignificance. For example, "A tiny number of students passed the exam."

Common error

Avoid overusing "a tiny number of" to exaggerate emotional responses. While it effectively highlights scarcity, overuse can diminish the phrase's impact and make your writing seem melodramatic. Instead, consider using more precise quantifiers or descriptive language to convey the desired emotion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a tiny number of" functions as a determiner phrase, specifically quantifying a noun. It signifies a very small quantity or amount. Ludwig provides numerous examples where it's used to emphasize scarcity or insignificance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a tiny number of" is a versatile and frequently used determiner phrase that effectively conveys a small quantity or amount. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and media, and science. While synonyms like "a handful of" or "a negligible quantity of" offer nuanced alternatives, "a tiny number of" remains a direct and clear way to emphasize scarcity or insignificance. Remember to use it judiciously to avoid diminishing its impact in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a minuscule amount of

Replaces "number" with "amount", emphasizing the quantity rather than the count.

an exceedingly small amount of

Adds intensity by using the adverb "exceedingly".

a negligible quantity of

Highlights that the quantity is so small it's practically insignificant.

an insignificant number of

Stresses the lack of importance due to the small quantity.

a limited quantity of

Focuses on the restriction in amount or supply.

a handful of

Offers a more casual and visual way to represent a small number.

a scarce few

Emphasizes the rarity and limited availability.

a mere fraction of

Highlights that it's only a small part of a larger whole.

a paltry few

Implies the small number is inadequate or contemptible.

a smattering of

Suggests a scattered and sparse distribution.

FAQs

How can I use "a tiny number of" in a sentence?

Use "a tiny number of" to emphasize that the quantity of something is very small. For instance, "A tiny number of people attended the meeting", highlighting the low attendance.

What are some alternatives to "a tiny number of"?

You can use alternatives like "a handful of", "a scarce few", or "a negligible quantity of" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more correct to say "a small number of" or "a tiny number of"?

"A tiny number of" emphasizes a smaller quantity than "a small number of". Use "a tiny number of" when you want to highlight the insignificance or rarity of the quantity.

What's the difference between "a tiny number of" and "a limited number of"?

"A tiny number of" focuses on the smallness of the quantity itself, while "a limited number of" implies there is a restriction or constraint on the quantity available.