small hamlets

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "small hamlets" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a group of small rural communities or villages, often characterized by a few houses and limited amenities. Example: "The region is dotted with small hamlets, each with its own unique charm and history."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

Small hamlets lie in clearings in the heath, bog, and woods of the Franconian Forest.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The Ifugao live in small hamlets of 5 to 10 houses scattered among the rice terraces.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The latter include hundreds of small hamlets, clusters of farmsteads, and, deep in the mountains, a handful of historic monasteries.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In the eastern farming zone along the Baltic coast compact villages, small hamlets, and large estates dominate.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The Edo live in compact village settlements ranging in size from small hamlets to towns of several thousand people.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Meadow, isolated farmsteads, and small hamlets dominate the landscape; only the higher and steeper slopes are still wooded.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

The civilisation you're greeted with is the small hamlet of Hammerhead, and it's enthralling.

The Guardian - Tech

Buoux is a small hamlet set amid towering pine-crested cliffs.

The Guardian - Travel

THE small hamlet of Buchanan has become a popular news conference locale in recent months.

The New York Times

We then make for Hatchet Pond and the small hamlet of East Boldre.

The Guardian - Travel

Local wines Domaine Begude (04 6869 2041) lies above the small hamlet of Cépie, just outside Limoux.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "small hamlets" to refer to a group of houses, usually in a rural area, that is smaller than a village.

Common error

Avoid using "small hamlets" when describing densely populated areas or suburbs. This phrase is specific to rural or sparsely populated regions; using it elsewhere can create a confusing or inaccurate image.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "small hamlets" functions as a noun phrase, where "small" modifies the noun "hamlets". It describes a specific type of settlement characterized by its small size. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Encyclopedias

20%

News & Media

40%

Science

12%

Less common in

Wiki

26%

Formal & Business

1%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "small hamlets" is a grammatically sound and frequently used term to describe sparsely populated rural settlements. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts such as encyclopedias, news media, and scientific publications. While neutral in register, the phrase effectively conveys a sense of rurality and isolation. When using this phrase, ensure it aligns with the context to accurately depict the environment. Consider alternatives like "tiny villages" or "rural communities" for nuanced meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

small rural settlements

Combination of terms to explicitly state size and location.

tiny villages

Emphasizes the extremely small size of the settlements.

small villages

A more common and general term for small settlements.

little settlements

Highlights the diminutive nature of the communities.

rural communities

Focuses on the countryside setting and communal aspect.

isolated homesteads

Emphasizes the separation and self-sufficiency of individual homes.

remote villages

Highlights the inaccessibility and distance of the settlements.

scattered dwellings

Describes the dispersed nature of the housing.

agrarian hamlets

Specifies that the settlements are based on agricultural activities.

compact villages

Emphasizes the close proximity of the dwellings.

FAQs

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

You can use "small hamlets" to describe rural areas or regions characterized by sparsely populated landscapes. For example: "The region is dotted with "small hamlets", each with its own unique charm and history."

What are some alternatives to "small hamlets"?

Some alternatives include "tiny villages", "rural communities", or "isolated settlements", depending on the specific context you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "smaller hamlets" instead of "small hamlets"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "small hamlets" is more common. "Smaller hamlets" might be used to compare the size of hamlets within a specific region.

What's the difference between a "small hamlet" and a "small village"?

Generally, a "small hamlet" is smaller and more isolated than a "small village". A village typically has more services and a larger population.