only a small part

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'only a small part' is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is only a small portion or piece of a larger whole. For example, "Although I have the full measure of the ingredients, I'm only using a small part of them for this recipe."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But that's only a small part of the picture.

The Guardian

But vehicles are only a small part of his portfolio.

The New York Times

Spam is only a small part of the business.

The New Yorker

Fuel prices are only a small part of that.

The New Yorker

Imbibing is only a small part of the job, however.

The Guardian - Money

It was only a small part of the promotion".

The New York Times - Sports

But that's only a small part of it.

The Guardian - Film

But accounting is only a small part of the story.

The New Yorker

But it's only a small part of it.

The Guardian

Pledging funds is only a small part of the solution.

The Guardian

But their problems are only a small part of them.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "only a small part", ensure the context clearly defines what the larger whole is. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "only a small part" when the context implies a significant impact despite the size. Even a small part can have a large effect; consider alternatives if the importance outweighs the portion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "only a small part" functions as a determiner phrase, modifying a noun to indicate that the noun represents a limited portion of a larger whole. As Ludwig AI also suggests, this phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Opinion

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "only a small part" is a versatile phrase used to indicate that something constitutes a limited portion of a larger whole. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and widely accepted in English. The phrase's neutral tone and common occurrence across various authoritative sources, including news outlets and scientific journals, make it suitable for diverse writing styles. When using "only a small part", clarity is key; ensure that the 'whole' is well-defined to avoid ambiguity. The phrase sees frequent application in News & Media and Science, underlining its general utility across different kinds of writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a small fraction only

Reorders the words but maintains the meaning that the portion is very small.

only a negligible portion

Underscores the insignificance of the segment when considering its overall impact.

just a fraction

Emphasizes the limited quantity or proportion, indicating it's a very tiny portion.

a minor portion

Stresses the unimportance of the part relative to the whole, changing emphasis from the size.

merely a segment

Highlights that it's a component, but not a substantial portion of the whole.

a negligible piece

Suggests the fragment is so small it's almost insignificant.

a tiny fragment

Emphasizes the reduced dimensions of the portion and its break from the whole.

a limited extent

Focuses on the degree or scope being restricted, not necessarily the physical portion.

a reduced share

Implies something has been lessened, and this is the remaining quantity.

a mere sliver

Uses a more visual and descriptive term for a very thin or narrow piece.

FAQs

How can I use "only a small part" in a sentence?

You can use "only a small part" to indicate that something represents a limited portion of a larger entity. For example, "Only a small part of the budget was allocated to marketing."

What phrases are similar to "only a small part"?

Similar phrases include "just a fraction", "a minor portion", or "merely a segment". Choose the alternative that best fits the specific context.

Is "only a small part" formal or informal?

"Only a small part" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its neutrality allows for wide applicability across various types of writing and conversation.

What's the difference between "only a small part" and "the majority"?

"Only a small part" indicates a minority or limited portion, while "the majority" refers to the larger portion. Using one or the other depends on what you want to emphasize about the size of the portion relative to the whole.