small minority

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "small minority" is correct and can be used in written English.
The phrase is typically used to describe a group that is made up of a very small portion of a larger population. For example: "Only a small minority of the citizens were in favor of the new policy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A small minority is deeply opposed.

The Economist

Asians form a very small minority.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The Salafists are a small minority.

The Economist

They remain a small minority among protesters.

Independent

A small minority practices traditional beliefs.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The barbarians were everywhere a small minority.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"Mega-bears" are still a small minority.

The Economist

Blacks were a small minority statewide, too.

The New York Times

Still, they represent a small minority.

The New York Times - Travel

Only a small minority of Americans paid.

The New York Times - Books

This is a small, small, small minority".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "small minority", ensure the context clearly defines the larger group to which the minority belongs, providing a clear frame of reference for the proportion being discussed.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the influence or impact of a "small minority". While their presence is acknowledged, ensure that the overall narrative accurately reflects their limited scope and proportional effect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "small minority" functions as a noun phrase, acting as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used to denote a group constituting a minimal portion of a larger population.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Encyclopedias

13%

Science

12%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "small minority" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a very small portion of a larger group. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's used across various contexts, from news and media to encyclopedias and scientific publications. The phrase functions as a noun phrase to emphasize the limited size of a group, helping to set appropriate expectations regarding its influence or prevalence. When using "small minority", ensure the context clearly defines the larger group to which the minority belongs. While alternatives like "tiny fraction" or "select few" exist, "small minority" provides a neutral and widely understood way to indicate a limited number or proportion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tiny fraction

Emphasizes the extremely small size of the group.

limited number

Focuses on the restricted quantity of the group.

handful of people

Implies a very small and easily countable group.

select few

Suggests the group is not only small but also possibly exclusive or special.

negligible portion

Highlights the insignificance of the group in terms of its proportion.

minute segment

Indicates a very small piece or part of the whole.

rare subset

Emphasizes both the small size and the uncommon nature of the group.

scattered few

Suggests that the members of the small group are dispersed or not concentrated.

fringe element

Implies the group is on the edge or periphery of a larger group or system.

isolated cases

Highlights the infrequency and uniqueness of the occurrences.

FAQs

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

You can use "small minority" to describe a group that constitutes a very small part of a larger population, such as: "A "small minority" of students protested the new policy."

What are some alternatives to "small minority"?

Alternatives include "tiny fraction", "limited number", or "select few", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "small minority" or "minority"?

"Small minority" emphasizes the particularly reduced size of the group in question. If the size is a key factor, "small minority" is more appropriate; otherwise, "minority" may suffice.

What's the difference between "small minority" and "fringe element"?

While both describe a small group, "small minority" is neutral, referring simply to size. "Fringe element", on the other hand, suggests that the group holds unconventional or marginal views.