a tiny subset of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a tiny subset of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a very small portion of a larger group or category. Example: "The research focused on a tiny subset of the population that exhibited unique behavioral traits."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

The scientists only looked at a tiny subset of genes.

The Guardian

"But these are a tiny subset of people with obesity," he acknowledges.

The Guardian

MIDI synthesizers offer only a tiny subset of the synthesis techniques possible in software.

Stanford University

And only a tiny subset of jinshi were Manchu bannermen, kinsfolk of the emperor.

The Economist

This concerns a tiny subset of the population: child performers and those who read about them in supermarket tabloids.

The New York Times

Moreover, structural genomics will tackle only a tiny subset of all protein structures, making it far less comprehensive than the Human Genome Project.

The New York Times - Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

Among the 155 known exoplanets, the new world joins a tiny subset that may consist mainly of rock.

Science Magazine

Within the vast body of Holocaust literature a tiny subset has emerged, writings about Holocaust education trauma.

The New York Times

By reading a limited number of papers rather than counting them all or dismissing the ones that don't appear in some tiny subset of journals, a study section will better assess an applicant's true impact.

Genetics

"The intention of restricted mode is to filter out mature content for the tiny subset of viewers who want a more limited experience," it reads.

Vice

The intention of Restricted Mode is to filter out mature content for the tiny subset of our users who want a more limited experience.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a tiny subset of", ensure the contrast with the larger set is clear to emphasize the small proportion being discussed.

Common error

Avoid using "a tiny subset of" when the proportion, while small, is still impactful or important. Choose a more neutral term if the 'tiny' aspect is misleading.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a tiny subset of" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically modifying a noun or pronoun. It serves to quantify a small portion of a larger whole, emphasizing its limited size relative to the larger group as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Academia

35%

Science

24%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a tiny subset of" is a versatile and commonly used prepositional phrase for indicating a very small portion of a larger group. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently appears in diverse contexts, including news, academic, and scientific writing. When using this phrase, be mindful to maintain clarity and emphasize the contrast between the "tiny subset" and the overall group. While effective, consider synonyms like "a small fraction of" or "a limited number of" depending on the intended emphasis and level of formality. Understanding its function, purpose, and appropriate contexts will help writers use "a tiny subset of" effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a small fraction of

Emphasizes the proportional aspect, indicating a small part relative to the whole.

a minute portion of

Highlights the extremely small size of the part.

a negligible segment of

Suggests that the part is so small it's almost insignificant.

a limited number of

Focuses on the restricted quantity or count of items.

an insignificant amount of

Emphasizes the lack of importance or impact due to the small quantity.

a mere handful of

Implies that the quantity is small enough to be held in one hand, focusing on count rather than proportion.

a small segment of

Implies division of the whole in parts.

a selected few from

Highlights a specific group chosen from a broader collection, suggesting selectivity.

a restricted range of

Emphasizes the limited scope or variety within a set.

a speck of

Implies extremely small size, often used metaphorically.

FAQs

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

Use "a tiny subset of" to indicate that you're referring to a very small portion of a larger group or category. For example, "Only "a tiny subset of" the population experiences these side effects."

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

"A tiny subset of" emphasizes the extremely small size of the group being discussed, while "a small subset of" simply indicates that the group is smaller than the whole but not necessarily negligible.

Which is more appropriate, "a tiny subset of" or "a minuscule subset of"?

Both "a tiny subset of" and "a minuscule subset of" convey the idea of a very small portion. "Minuscule" might imply even smaller size, but "tiny" is more commonly used and understood.

What are some alternatives to "a tiny subset of" in academic writing?

In academic writing, you might use more formal alternatives such as "a small fraction of", "a limited number of", or "a negligible segment of" to maintain a professional tone.