in a small number

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in a small number" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to emphasize that only a few of something exist or are present. For example, "Only a small number of people attended the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They speak in a small number of bloodless stock-phrases.

The Guardian - Travel

This has happened in a small number of cases.

MIT Technology Review

This was only the case in a small number of trials.

Cornell University

Maybe by splitting the machines in a small number of groups with similar performance ?

University of California, Berkeley

This is a crisis of accumulation, too much money in a small number of people.

University of California, Berkeley

Test scores are commonly reported in a small number of ordered categories.

Stanford University

The mosquito-borne virus can cause deadly brain swelling in a small number of infected people.

The New York Times

Eloxatin can cause potentially fatal allergic reactions in a small number of patients.

The New York Times

Treatments range from ice packs to bite plates or, in a small number of cases, surgery.

The New York Times - Health

In addition, antidepressants may actually escalate depression in a small number of people.

The New York Times

Implant complications include blood clots, infections and, in a small number of cases, death.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To add impact and precision, combine "in a small number" with the type of context being described. For example, instead of "in a small number," specify "in a small number of cases" or "in a small number of countries."

Common error

Avoid using "in a small number" when a more specific quantifier (e.g., "few", "several", "a couple") would provide greater clarity. Be mindful about vagueness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in a small number" functions as an adjectival modifier, specifying the limited quantity of a noun. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound and serves to quantify the subject it modifies. The analyzed examples showcase the phrase across multiple domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

25%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in a small number" is a grammatically correct and versatile expression used to indicate a limited quantity or incidence. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and its frequency across diverse contexts like news, science, and academia underscores its utility. While alternatives like "few instances" or "limited quantity" exist, "in a small number" provides a slightly more formal tone. To maximize clarity, avoid overuse and opt for more specific quantifiers when possible. Remember to combine "in a small number" with a related context description for better precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in few instances

Replaces "number" with "instances", emphasizing specific occurrences.

in a limited quantity

Focuses on the amount rather than the count.

in a handful of cases

Uses a more informal and visual term for a small quantity.

in a minority of situations

Highlights the infrequency of the situation.

in a restricted amount

Emphasizes the constraint or limitation on the quantity.

in a select few examples

Highlights that the examples are carefully chosen among a larger group.

in a scarce number

Implies that the small number is due to scarcity.

in isolated cases

Emphasizes the uniqueness or rarity of the occurrences.

among a small subset

Highlights that it's a part of a larger set.

in a fraction of instances

Focuses on representing the few cases as a part of a bigger picture.

FAQs

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

You can use "in a small number" to indicate a limited quantity or occurrence, as in "The treatment caused complications "in a small number of cases"".

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

Alternatives include phrases like "few instances", "limited quantity", or "handful of cases".

Is it better to use "few" instead of "in a small number"?

While "few" is more concise, "in a small number" provides a slightly more formal and emphatic way to express a limited quantity. The best choice depends on the specific context and desired tone.

What is the difference between "in a small number" and "in a large number"?

"In a small number" indicates a limited quantity or occurrence, whereas "in a large number" implies a substantial quantity. The key difference lies in the magnitude being described.