a very small selection

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a very small selection" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a limited number of items or choices available in a particular context. Example: "The store offers a very small selection of organic fruits compared to other markets in the area."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

It has a very small selection of programs.

University of California, Berkeley

A very small selection of English words derive from Basque: anchovy, jingo, jai alai.

The New Yorker

Montrachet offers a very small selection, but each cheese is fine and ripe, and each makes a fine prelude to dessert.

The New York Times - Food

Much of the recent negative publicity towards drones appears to stem from a very small selection of hobbyists who give the industry a bad name.

The Guardian

"It is just a very small selection, perhaps to introduce this music to some people who don't know it," he said.

The New York Times - Arts

The slideshow above offers just a very small selection of your photos, you can find a lot more over at the Guardian Northerner Flickr Group.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

One immediate prediction of this Ne value is that negative selection would be very effective, being able to remove alleles with very small selection coefficients, resulting in a decrease of amino acid evolutionary rate.

Genome Biology and Evolution

Population genetic considerations show that very small selection coefficients of s < 10-6 are still visible to natural selection in microbes like yeast.

BMC Systems Biology

So too can accumulation of very small selection differentials that are repeated over the long time periods that fisheries can operate (tens or hundreds of years).

Evolutionary Applications

This difference is attributable to previous models utilising very small selection coefficients, whereas here, we have documented sexually antagonistic selection at the allele and found it to be orders of magnitude stronger than previously assumed.

BMC Biology

However, creation of strains with a large number of targeted mutations or containing plasmids has been challenging because only a very small number of selection markers is available in Schizosaccharomyces pombe.

Yale University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the items in "a very small selection", be specific. For example, instead of saying "The shop had a very small selection of books", say "The shop had a very small selection of antique books, mainly first editions."

Common error

Avoid using "a very small selection" when the actual selection is reasonably diverse. This diminishes credibility and can mislead your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a very small selection" functions as a noun phrase, where "very small" modifies the noun "selection". It describes the limited size or scope of available choices or items, as confirmed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

26%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a very small selection" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to indicate a limited number of options. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread applicability. It appears across various contexts, from news and media to scientific literature. When using the phrase, be specific about what comprises the selection and avoid exaggeration. Consider alternatives like "a limited assortment" or "a narrow range" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a limited assortment

Emphasizes the restricted variety available.

a narrow range

Highlights the limited scope of choices.

a tiny collection

Stresses the diminutive size of the group.

a scarce offering

Implies rarity and limited availability.

a minimal set

Focuses on the absolute smallest possible number.

a select few

Highlights the exclusivity and small quantity.

a handful

Uses a more informal term to indicate a small quantity.

a trickle

Suggests a slow and limited flow or availability.

a sparse array

Emphasizes the thinly scattered nature of the choices.

a modicum

Indicates a small or moderate amount, often implying insufficiency.

FAQs

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

You can use "a very small selection" to describe a limited number of options or items available. For example, "The menu offered "a very small selection" of desserts." or "The gallery showcased "a very small selection" of local artists' works."

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

Alternatives include "a limited assortment", "a narrow range", or "a tiny collection". The best choice depends on the specific context and what aspect of the limited selection you want to emphasize.

Is it better to say "a very small selection" or "a limited selection"?

Both phrases are acceptable, but "a very small selection" emphasizes the quantity, while "a limited selection" emphasizes the restriction in variety. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What does it mean to have "a very small selection" of something?

Having "a very small selection" means that there are only a few items or choices available. This could be due to limited availability, specific curation, or other constraints affecting the range of options.