Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
as a small data
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "as a small data" is not correct in standard written English.
It is typically used incorrectly; the correct term is "as small data" or "as a small dataset" depending on the context. Example: "In this analysis, we will consider the results as small data to draw preliminary conclusions."
⚠ May contain grammatical issues
Science
News & Media
Alternative expressions(5)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
1 human-written examples
For example, a large data set with many lowest-level units nested within nearly as many higher-level units will act as a "small" data set when a multilevel model is fit.
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
59 human-written examples
On the other hand, the probabilistic methods works efficiently on relatively small numbers of sequences (e.g. a typical benchmark sequence set is <32 kb), as they are designed to process a small data set by selecting only high-scoring sequences.
Science
Multiple sequence alignment of CHIV CPs showed nonhomogeneous distribution of conservation, as has been previously observed with a smaller data set of CHIV proteins (Roux et al. 2013).
Science
Hence, we used a smaller data set as a test case (Gavin, 2002), containing 455 bait proteins and 1364 prey proteins.
Science
It can also be used as a small ambient data display for cars, computers, and other tools.
News & Media
The optimism of a model derived from a given small data set was assessed as follows.
This analysis was done on a very small data with only scale as a variable.
Since it was not possible to merely delete speakers, as this would create a very small data set on which to run statistical tests, the missing data from these speakers were replaced by the mean of the other speakers' productions.
Science
Statistically inferring causality using big data assumes all the needed variables are present, exactly the same problem as with small data (Titiunik 2015).
There is a slight change in resistivity before the inversion; however this change is unavoidable as the small data misfit which it introduces is offset by the improved temporal smoothing.
Science
2) Personalized Treatment Regimens: As the small data ecosystem develops, consumers could very well diagnose blood cancer and disease right at home, while immediately triggering referrals to the appropriate specialist.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When discussing datasets, ensure the adjective describing size directly precedes the noun: use "small dataset" instead of "as a small data".
Common error
Avoid inserting unnecessary articles (like 'a') between 'as' and the size descriptor of data. A correct phrasing would be "as small data" or "as a small dataset".
Source & Trust
81%
Authority and reliability
3.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase primarily functions as a descriptive element, aiming to qualify a noun (usually "data"). However, it doesn't follow standard English grammar rules. Ludwig highlights this issue, suggesting alternatives like "as small data" or "as a small dataset".
Frequent in
Science
60%
News & Media
30%
Formal & Business
10%
Less common in
Encyclopedias
0%
Wiki
0%
Social Media
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, while the phrase "as a small data" appears in some contexts, it's generally considered grammatically incorrect. It aims to describe a limited dataset but should be replaced with "as small data" or "as a small dataset" for better clarity and grammatical accuracy. Ludwig underlines this. Primarily found in science and news media, the phrase tries to emphasize the limited scope of the data being analyzed.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
Limited dataset
Focuses on the size of the dataset, using "limited" instead of "small".
Small dataset
Replaces the article "a" with no article before "small".
Restricted dataset
Emphasizes the constraints on the dataset rather than its size.
Modest data sample
Uses "modest" to describe size, and "sample" instead of "data".
Small subset of data
Specifies that it's a portion of a larger dataset.
Limited data pool
Uses "pool" instead of "data", suggesting a collection.
Sparse data
Highlights the lack of data points.
Narrow dataset
Suggests that the data covers a limited scope.
Concise data
Focuses on the brevity of the data available.
Minimal data
Emphasizes the insufficiency of data.
FAQs
How can I correctly use the term "small data" in a sentence?
You can say "This analysis uses "small data"" or "This analysis uses "a small dataset"".
What is a more formal way to refer to "small data"?
Consider using "limited dataset" or "restricted dataset" for a more professional tone.
Is there a difference between "small data" and "small-scale data"?
"Small data" typically refers to the volume of data, while "small-scale data" can refer to the scope or complexity of the data.
When should I use ""small data"" versus "big data"?
Use ""small data"" when discussing datasets that are limited in size, and "big data" when referring to extremely large and complex datasets.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
81%
Authority and reliability
3.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested