on a small basis

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on a small basis" is not commonly used in written English and may sound awkward.
It could be used to describe something that is done in a limited or minor way, but it is better to use more standard expressions. Example: "The project will be implemented on a small basis to test its effectiveness before a larger rollout."

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The program will start on a small basis, focusing on tenants in six public housing projects in Queens with some of the worst records for missed payments, and may expand citywide if it is judged to be a success.

The New York Times

We needed some help in [North America], so we asked him if he'd like to take that job just on a small basis.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

"We can move quickly, take a bit of a chance on projects on a smaller basis and then roll them out," said one speaker.

The Guardian

And so while we will batch where we can, we will probably also be looking at claims on a smaller basis.

Huffington Post

They are on a very small basis at the moment, but increasing rapidly and do provide a lot more flexible investment routes for those fast-growing SMEs that we want to flourish".

The Guardian

'They are also intensely beautiful, operate on a small college basis and employ some of the cleverest men and women in the world as teachers.

The Guardian

The discovery of gold in Ijeshaland of Osun State, although mined on a small scale basis, provides thousands of indigenous peoples with employment (Taiwo and Awomeso 2017).

Environmental Systems Research

Instant messaging and chat rooms were always realtime discussions but primarily on a one-on-one or small-group basis.

TechCrunch

In a PDSA cycle, ideas can be tested on a small scale and temporary basis to determine outcomes.

F1000Research

By 1950 stations in many parts of the country were telecasting late-night fare, though mostly on a small-time, local basis.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"So we're operating on a very small-scale basis with [Afghan] staff.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using more common and readily understood phrases like "on a limited scale" or "to a limited extent" for clearer communication.

Common error

Avoid using "on a small basis" in formal reports or academic papers. It may come across as less professional. Opt for phrases that are more widely accepted in those contexts, such as "on a limited scale" or "in a controlled manner".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on a small basis" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the extent or scale of an action. As Ludwig AI points out, though grammatically acceptable, more common alternatives exist.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "on a small basis" is used to describe something done in a limited way, but as the Ludwig AI indicates, it's not particularly common. It functions as an adverbial phrase, usually appearing in news or scientific contexts, although less frequent in formal business settings. While grammatically sound, opting for alternatives like "on a limited scale" or "to a limited extent" often provides more clarity and a more professional tone. Given its infrequent use, being mindful of the audience and context is critical when deciding whether to use this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on a limited scale

Emphasizes the restriction in size or scope of an operation or activity.

on a reduced scale

Focuses on the diminished size or extent of something compared to its potential full size.

on a minor level

Highlights the insignificance or lesser importance of the aspect being discussed.

in a limited way

Indicates that actions or capabilities are constrained or not fully realized.

to a limited extent

Implies that something is true or effective only within certain boundaries or conditions.

in a restricted manner

Suggests actions are performed under specific constraints or regulations.

on a trial basis

Implies something is done temporarily to test its viability.

in a preliminary fashion

Focuses on the initial and often exploratory nature of an action.

on an experimental level

Highlights that actions are part of a test or experiment.

in a controlled setting

Indicates that the activity is taking place under specific conditions to minimize variability.

FAQs

What does "on a small basis" mean?

The phrase "on a small basis" means something is being done in a limited or minor way. It suggests a restricted scale or scope of an activity.

What can I say instead of "on a small basis"?

You can use alternatives like "on a limited scale", "on a minor level", or "to a limited extent" depending on the context.

Is "on a small basis" grammatically correct?

Yes, "on a small basis" is grammatically correct, but it is not a commonly used phrase. More standard expressions may be preferable for clarity.

When is it appropriate to use "on a small basis"?

It's acceptable to use "on a small basis" when you want to emphasize the limited nature of an activity or project. However, consider whether alternatives such as "on a trial basis" or "in a controlled setting" might be more precise.