a very small group

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a very small group" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a limited number of people or entities within a larger context. Example: "At the conference, only a very small group of experts was invited to discuss the latest research findings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"They're a very small group.

The New York Times

That's a very small group of people.

The Guardian

You introduce the offering to a very small group.

Harvard Business Review

The Swiss will be bolstering a very small group.

The New York Times

Davis, then, was part of a very small group.

The New York Times - Sports

Bitcoins are still only accepted by a very small group of online merchants.

Stanford University

Now he has a very small group of real friends, maybe one.

University of California, Berkeley

A very small group of candidates is picked to become "company directors"—that is, top management.

Harvard Business Review

For now, he is in a very small group of very lucky and determined public servants.

The New York Times

They were a very small group, and they were very disruptive".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"He works with a very small group of individuals, namely, former K.G.B. and F.S.B. people".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a very small group", ensure the context clearly indicates what larger population or entity they are a small part of. This provides necessary context and clarifies the significance of their small size.

Common error

Avoid attributing disproportionate influence or significance to "a very small group" without sufficient evidence. Overstating their impact can lead to misrepresentation and undermine the credibility of your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a very small group" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence. It identifies a set of individuals or entities characterized by their limited number. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating its versatile usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Academia

28%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Science

8%

Wiki

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a very small group" is a versatile and commonly used phrase to describe a limited number of people or entities. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability across various contexts, including news, academic writing, and business communication. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly establishes the reference group and avoid exaggerating the small group's impact without supporting evidence. Consider alternatives like "a limited number of people" or "a select few" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a limited number of people

Focuses on the restriction in quantity of individuals.

a handful of individuals

Emphasizes the smallness of the group, suggesting it can be counted easily.

a select few

Highlights the exclusivity or chosen nature of the group.

a tiny minority

Stresses the group's size relative to a larger population.

a small subset

Implies the group is a component of a larger set.

a restricted circle

Indicates a closed or exclusive group of people.

an exclusive cluster

Highlights the select and grouped nature.

a scant few

Stresses the insufficiency or scarcity of the number.

a mere handful

Emphasizes the insignificance of the number.

a fractional segment

Focuses on a tiny portion of a larger whole.

FAQs

How can I use "a very small group" in a sentence?

Use "a very small group" to describe a limited number of people or entities within a larger context. For example: "Only "a very small group" of experts was invited to the conference."

What are some alternatives to "a very small group"?

You can use alternatives like "a limited number of people", "a handful of individuals", or "a select few" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a very small group" in formal writing?

Yes, "a very small group" is suitable for formal writing. However, consider whether a more precise term (e.g., specific number or percentage) would be more effective for clarity and accuracy.

What's the difference between "a small group" and "a very small group"?

"A very small group" emphasizes the limited size of the group to a greater extent than "a small group". The addition of "very" intensifies the sense of fewness.