a trickle of students

USAGE SUMMARY

"a trickle of students" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means a small group or number of students. Example: The school's strict dress code policy caused a trickle of students to transfer to a more lenient school.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

A trickle of students came forward to contribute.

The New York Times

The city had been content to have a slowly evolving mix of sedate shops and family restaurants that attracted a trickle of students and faculty from the university.

The New York Times

The John Jay counseling center has seen a trickle of students who had planned to enter the Police or Fire Department but are now less certain about their choices.

The New York Times

A trickle of students exited the Urban Assembly School for Wildlife Conservation, in the New York City borough of the Bronx, around 10 a.m., but there were no hand-drawn signs, no shouted slogans and no discernable form of protest happening.

HuffPost

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Indeed, if universities turned on the recruiting spigot in China expecting a steady trickle of students, they've gotten a gusher instead.

The New York Times

A Chicago Heights company brought a forklift and empty semi-trailer truck to the Pierce Hall parking lot one May morning, and for six hours a steady trickle of students, staff, and residents stopped by to unburden themselves.

University of Chicago

If the current trickle of students going overseas gains momentum, it could prompt questions about the UK's future global academic reputation and fears of a new brain drain.

Independent

This business model is still finding its feet, but some former students are already sharing a trickle of paid work.

The Guardian - Tech

She then poured a trickle of water into the building and over the streets, and the students watched as it flowed cleanly through one of two clear-plastic tubes into a mock waterway.

The New York Times

That follows a trickle of corruption scandals.

The Economist

A trickle of residents wandered by.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a trickle of students", ensure it accurately reflects a small and continuous flow or presence, not a sudden surge or absence. Consider the context to ensure the imagery aligns with your intended meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "a trickle of students" when referring to a substantial number, as it diminishes the actual quantity and may mislead the reader. Ensure your description aligns with the reality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a trickle of students" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object in a sentence. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English, referring to a small number or group of students.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a trickle of students" is a grammatically sound phrase used to denote a small number of students, often implying a slow or gradual movement. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is considered correct and usable in written English. The phrase is most frequently found in news and media, academic, and scientific contexts. While it is not overly formal, it maintains a neutral register suitable for various writing styles. Alternatives include "a small number of students" or "a few students", each offering slightly different connotations. When using this phrase, ensure the context accurately reflects the small and continuous nature of the student presence. Conversely, avoid using it when describing a larger number, as it can diminish the intended scale.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a small number of students

Replaces "trickle" with a more direct and literal term for quantity.

a few students

Simplifies the expression to indicate a minimal quantity of students.

a handful of students

Uses a more figurative term to suggest a small, easily manageable number.

a sparse number of students

Emphasizes the scarcity and low density of the student population.

a smattering of students

Implies a scattered and uneven distribution of students.

a modest contingent of students

Uses a more formal term for a group, suggesting a small and unassuming presence.

a minor influx of students

Highlights the small scale of the increase in student numbers.

an isolated few students

Emphasizes the loneliness or separation of the small group of students.

a scattering of students

Suggests that the students are spread out and not concentrated in one area.

a fractional portion of students

Uses a more technical term to describe a very small segment of the student body.

FAQs

How can I use "a trickle of students" in a sentence?

You can use "a trickle of students" to describe a small number of students arriving, leaving, or participating in something. For example, "A trickle of students attended the optional study session after school."

What can I say instead of "a trickle of students"?

You can use alternatives like "a small number of students", "a few students", or "a handful of students" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "a trickle of students" or "a stream of students"?

"A trickle of students" and "a stream of students" both describe groups of students, but "a trickle of students" implies a very small number, while "a stream of students" suggests a larger, continuous flow.

What's the difference between "a trickle of students" and "a flood of students"?

"A trickle of students" indicates a small, slow arrival, whereas "a flood of students" signifies a large and sudden influx. The former suggests a minimal impact, while the latter implies a significant one.