for a small number

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "for a small number" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a limited quantity or a few items in a specific context. Example: "The event was attended by a small number of participants, which made it more intimate."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Historically, Bolivia's vast reserves of natural resources created great wealth for a small number.

The Guardian

But for a small number of people, the extreme opposite is true.

The New York Times

(The fellowships allowed unlimited freedom for a small number of creative people in various fields).

The New Yorker

She called for a small number of goals focused on the most critical sustainability issues.

The Guardian

"Keep such agreements for a small number of relationships with businesses you know and trust.

The Guardian

Iriss also found evidence of in-work poverty for a small number of respondents.

The Guardian

"There will be the need for a small number of redundancies.

The Guardian

The process is still under way for a small number of staff".

The Guardian

"The display in London only works and makes sense for a small number of academics.

The Guardian

"President Clinton provided some relief for a small number of them," Mr. Menendez said in a statement.

The New York Times

Regulators and investors are bracing for a small number of banks to fail over the next 12 to 18 months.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "for a small number", ensure the context clarifies the relevance of the small quantity and why it matters.

Common error

Avoid using "for a small number" to downplay issues that affect a significant portion of the population; ensure the small number is genuinely negligible in the broader context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for a small number" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun, indicating a limited quantity. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English, particularly when referring to a limited quantity in a specific context.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

34%

News & Media

31%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "for a small number" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to denote a limited quantity or portion. Ludwig AI highlights its correct usage in English writing. It is prevalent in diverse contexts, including news, scientific literature, and business communications. While alternatives like ""for a few"" or ""a handful of"" exist, "for a small number" provides a specific emphasis on numerical insignificance. When employing this phrase, ensure that the context justifies the focus on the limited quantity and avoid exaggerating or minimizing the impact of the small number on the overall situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

for a handful

Implies a very small, easily countable quantity, often used informally.

for a limited few

Emphasizes the exclusivity or restricted access to something.

in a minority of cases

Focuses on the infrequency or rarity of the situation.

for a select few

Highlights the chosen or privileged nature of the small group.

for a trickle

Suggests a slow and minimal flow or occurrence.

for a scant few

Emphasizes the insufficiency or barely adequate number.

in a small fraction

Highlights the small proportion or percentage involved.

on rare occasions

Indicates the infrequent or exceptional nature of the event.

for an isolated number

Stresses the separateness and lack of connection to a larger group.

for a restricted number

Emphasizes the controlled or limited availability.

FAQs

How can I use "for a small number" in a sentence?

Use "for a small number" to indicate that something applies to only a few individuals or items within a larger group. Example: "The scholarship is available "for a small number" of students."

What are some alternatives to saying "for a small number"?

Alternatives include "for a few", "a handful of", or "a minority of". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "for a small number" or "for few"?

"For a small number" is generally more precise, while "for few" might be more concise but can sometimes sound less formal. It depends on the context and desired level of formality.

What's the difference between "for a small number" and "for a limited number"?

"For a small number" emphasizes quantity, while "for a limited number" highlights restriction or constraint. A limited number could still be relatively large, but it's capped. A small number is inherently few.