small group of students

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "small group of students" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a limited number of students, often in the context of a class, study, or project. Example: "The small group of students worked together on their science project, sharing ideas and resources."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The event is limited to a small group of students.

Columbia University

As they watched the corpses pile up, a small group of students decided to act.

The Guardian

The next day, teachers said, a small group of students showed up out of uniform.

The New York Times

A small group of students are crouched on the floor, behind their classroom desks.

The Washington Post

Next, assign each small group of students a post in the Abstract Sunday blog.

The New York Times

Lee e­mails weekly with a small group of students to plan their special diets.

Columbia University

After the session, as the professors left the room, a small group of students began to cluster around Lisi.

The New Yorker

Yesterday he ambushed a small group of students from the non-profit SustainUS inside the Bella centre.

The Guardian

At a gathering of America's top economists, a small group of students is battling for the soul of economics.

The Washington Post

Traditionally it has involved a relatively small group of students under the direction of a studio master, and an instructor.

Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences

Our program's philosophy involves a complete immersion in nature with a small group of students to promote bonding.

Columbia University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To avoid redundancy, vary your language by using synonyms like "a few students" or "a select group of students" depending on the specific context and meaning you wish to convey.

Common error

Avoid making broad generalizations or drawing sweeping conclusions based solely on observations or data collected from a "small group of students". Always acknowledge the limitations of your sample size and the potential for bias.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "small group of students" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies a particular subset of individuals within a larger student population. Ludwig examples illustrate diverse uses in academic and news contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Academia

30%

Science

26%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "small group of students" is a common and grammatically correct way to refer to a limited number of students. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is versatile, appearing frequently in news, academic, and scientific contexts. While alternatives like "few students" or "select group of students" may be suitable depending on the desired nuance, "small group of students" provides clarity and precision when specifying a subset within a larger student population. Remember to avoid overgeneralizing based on the actions or characteristics of a "small group of students". Ludwig's examples across diverse sources highlight its broad applicability in formal and informal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

few students

Simplifies the phrase to its most basic equivalent, indicating a low number.

limited number of students

Replaces "small group" with a more quantitative description, focusing on the restricted quantity.

select group of students

Emphasizes the chosen or exclusive nature of the group, implying a selection process.

handful of students

Uses a more informal and figurative term to indicate a small quantity.

a cluster of students

Implies students gathered together, often emphasizing the physical proximity of the group.

minority of students

Highlights that the group represents a smaller portion of a larger student population.

a team of students

Emphasizes that the students involved are collaborating on a task or project.

some students

A less specific phrase, indicating the presence of students, without quantifying them.

a contingent of students

A more formal way to refer to a group of students, often used when they represent a larger body.

certain students

Suggests a specific subset of students, but without specifying the size of the group.

FAQs

How can I use "small group of students" in a sentence?

You can use "small group of students" to describe a limited number of students participating in a project or study. For example, "A "small group of students" conducted research on local water quality."

What are some alternatives to "small group of students"?

Alternatives include "few students", "select group of students", or "limited number of students" depending on the context and the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "small group of students" or "few students"?

Both phrases are correct, but ""small group of students"" is more descriptive and suitable for formal writing. "Few students" is simpler and more appropriate for informal contexts.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "small group of students"?

Use "small group of students" when you want to emphasize that the number of students is limited or when the size of the group is a significant factor in the context. For instance, "The study focused on a "small group of students" to allow for in-depth analysis."