among a short

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "among a short" is not correct and usable in written English.
It seems to be an incomplete expression and lacks clarity in meaning. Example: "She felt lost among a short group of friends at the party."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Exactly who was at Lindbergh's takeoff -- and who is still alive to tell about it -- remains among a short list of mysteries and myths built around the aviator.

The New York Times

Standouts among a short list of desserts were the fudge-rich chocolate flourless torte and the feathery, delicately Kahlúa-scented tiramisù, both made on the premises.

The New York Times

Even when employees get to pick a plan from among a short list of options, they don't necessarily choose their insurer; the two options I was given, for instance, were from the same one.

The New Yorker

The province is hoping to become a place automakers come to try out their self-driving tech, among a short but growing list of places around the world where testing those technologies is allowed on public roadways.

TechCrunch

Among a short list of exceptions Ashley includes Brian Aldiss's "Legends of Smith's Burst" and "Dumb Show".

Wikipedia

It marks a significant moment as Washington stands out among a short but talented list of people of color who have been nominated for an Oscar throughout history.  .

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Kate Walbert is the author of a collection of short stories and four novels, among them A Short History of Women and The Sunken Cathedral, just out in paperback.

The New Yorker

"Wasn't it?" Kate Walbert is the author of a collection of short stories and four novels, among them A Short History of Women and The Sunken Cathedral, just out in paperback.

The New Yorker

Among them: A short, relatively warm winter ended early, extending the number of riding days; lower average fuel prices contributed to more miles ridden and driven overall; and a generally stronger economy appears to have put more motorcycles on the road.

Los Angeles Times

Within the postnatal seroconverters group, breastfeeding associated transmission was higher among those with a short seroconversion interval than among all postnatal seroconverters.

British Medical Journal

We enjoyed staying at the Costa Rica Marriott, wrapped around an airy courtyard and set among hills just a short ride from the airport; the hotel runs a free shuttle.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When indicating a selection from a limited number of options, consider using more precise and grammatically standard alternatives like "among a few" or "within a small group" instead of "among a short".

Common error

Avoid using "short" to describe a collection of items. "Short" typically refers to duration or physical length. Instead, use adjectives like "small", "limited", or "few" to describe a restricted quantity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "among a short" is intended to function as a prepositional phrase, suggesting inclusion or selection from a limited quantity or group. However, the construction is grammatically awkward and lacks precision, as noted by Ludwig AI. It's better to use alternatives with precise meaning.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "among a short" is grammatically questionable and not recommended for use in formal writing. Ludwig AI confirms its awkwardness and suggests clearer alternatives. While examples appear across various source types, including News & Media and Science, more precise and grammatically sound options like "among a few" or "within a small group" are preferable to convey the intended meaning of selection from a limited quantity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

among a few

Simplifies the phrase to indicate a selection from a small number.

within a small group

Replaces "among a short" with an emphasis on the limited size of the group.

in a limited selection

Focuses on the restricted number of options available for selection.

from a brief list

Highlights the brevity of the list from which something is chosen.

in a select few

Highlights exclusivity or selectiveness within the small group.

within a concise range

Emphasizes the narrow scope or range of possibilities.

in a small collection

Focuses on the limited quantity of items in the collection.

from a handful

Uses a more idiomatic expression to convey a small quantity.

within a miniature set

Emphasizes the smallness of the set of items.

on a curtailed roster

Indicates a limited or reduced list of options.

FAQs

How can I correctly use a phrase indicating selection from a limited set?

Instead of "among a short", use phrases like "among a few", "within a small group", or "from a limited selection" to clearly convey selection from a restricted number of options.

What are some alternatives to "among a short" that emphasize brevity?

Consider using phrases like "from a brief list", "in a concise range", or "within a miniature set" to highlight the limited scope or quantity.

Is "among a short" grammatically correct?

According to Ludwig AI, "among a short" is not grammatically correct. More appropriate alternatives include "among a few" or "within a small group".

What's the difference between "among a short" and "among a few"?

"Among a few" is a grammatically sound way to indicate selection from a small number. "Among a short" is not standard English; using "few" correctly conveys the limited quantity.