small list of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "small list of" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that a list is limited in size. For example, "I wrote a small list of potential candidates for the job."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The result is a small list of exceptionally high quality.

The Guardian - Books

THE BAR Small list of wines (by glass and the bottle) and beer.

The New York Times

Irving has a decent though small list of wines by the glass and beers.

The New York Times - Food

The small list of beer and wine is perfunctory, but not so the juices.

The New York Times - Food

Everyone has a small list of those that they puzzle over.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Thinking through that, you end up with a small list of names indeed.

Harvard Business Review

First, with 27 member states it is hard to have a small list of priorities.

The Economist

Selection of cocktails and margaritas, and small list of wine and beer.

The New York Times

The restaurant's strongest suits may be found on the small list of main dishes.

The New York Times - Food

There's a small list of salumi, a few salads and a small selection of raw fish, or crudo.

The New York Times - Arts

Small list of around 50 still wines ($24 to $150), with a dozen by the glass ($7 to $14).

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "small list of" to clearly indicate a limited number of items, helping to set expectations and avoid ambiguity. For instance, "Here's a small list of recommended hotels near the conference venue."

Common error

Avoid using "small list of" when a more precise term like "shortlist", "selection", or "handful" could offer greater clarity and impact. For example, instead of "We have a small list of candidates", consider saying "We have a shortlist of candidates".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "small list of" functions as a pre-modifier to a noun, specifying its quantity or extent. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a common and accepted construction. Examples in Ludwig illustrate its use across diverse topics from wine selections to lists of countries.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

26%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Wiki

9%

Academia

5%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "small list of" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression that serves to indicate a limited number of items. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s widely accepted across diverse contexts. Its neutral register makes it suitable for various forms of communication, from news articles to academic discussions. While alternatives such as "short list of" or "limited list of" may be more appropriate in specific situations, "small list of" remains a versatile and reliable choice for general usage. It is important, however, to avoid overuse and consider more precise terms like "shortlist" when the context calls for it.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

short list of

Replaces "small" with "short", which is a common and direct synonym indicating brevity.

limited list of

Emphasizes the restriction or constraint on the size or scope of the list.

modest list of

Replaces "small" with "modest", suggesting a similar limited quantity but perhaps with a slightly more understated tone.

little list of

Replaces "small" with "little", which carries a similar meaning of reduced size or quantity.

minimal list of

Substitutes "small" with "minimal", emphasizing the bare minimum or essential items on the list.

slight list of

Replaces "small" with "slight", conveying a sense of something barely there or of very little importance.

low list of

Substitutes "small" with "low", indicating a limited number or quantity.

slim list of

Replaces "small" with "slim", suggesting a concise and efficient list, possibly implying a careful selection.

tiny list of

Substitutes "small" with "tiny", emphasizing the diminutive size of the list.

narrow list of

Suggests a list that is not only small in quantity but also possibly limited in scope or variety.

FAQs

How can I use "small list of" in a sentence?

You can use "small list of" to indicate a limited number of items. For example, "I have a small list of books I want to read this summer."

What can I say instead of "small list of"?

You can use alternatives like "short list of", "limited list of", or "select few" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "small list of" and "short list of"?

While both phrases are similar, "short list of" often implies a curated or refined selection, whereas "small list of" simply indicates a limited quantity. The nuance depends on context.

When is it better to use "shortlist" instead of "small list of"?

"Shortlist" is generally preferred when referring to a refined or carefully chosen group, often in a competitive context, such as candidates for a job or nominees for an award. "Small list of" is a more general term for any limited set of items.