small number

USAGE SUMMARY

"small number" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to a specific amount that is not large. For example: "We only have a small number of tickets left for the show."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

That's no small number.

The New York Times

A small number die.

The Washington Post

It was a very small number.

The New York Times

A small number have adopted Christianity.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Why such a small number?

The Guardian

But only a small number.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

Small numbers seemed to be expected.

The New Yorker

Working women voted in small numbers.

The New York Times

"We are talking about small numbers.

The New York Times

Yet these are fairly small numbers.

The Economist

"They leave in small numbers.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "small number", ensure the context clarifies what constitutes 'small' in that specific situation. For instance, "a small number of errors" implies a different scale than "a small number of employees".

Common error

Avoid equating "small number" with unimportance. A small number of critical failures, for example, can have significant consequences. Always consider the impact, not just the quantity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "small number" functions primarily as a determiner phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a limited quantity. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its usage across various contexts, confirming its standard grammatical role.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Academia

23%

Science

12%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "small number" is a versatile and frequently used phrase for indicating a limited quantity. As demonstrated by Ludwig, it is grammatically sound and appropriate for a range of contexts, from formal academic writing to informal news reports. It's crucial to consider the context when using "small number" to ensure the scale of 'small' is clear. While generally neutral in register, be mindful of more precise language in strictly formal settings. With a "Very common" frequency and support from authoritative sources, "small number" remains a reliable choice. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is correct and usable in written English to describe a quantity that is not large.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

limited quantity

Focuses on the restriction in the amount available.

reduced amount

Emphasizes a decrease in the original quantity.

restricted measure

Focuses on the constraints placed upon the quantity.

scarce few

Highlights the rarity or difficulty in finding a sufficient quantity.

minor portion

Conveys the quantity constitutes a small fraction.

modest proportion

Implies the quantity represents a relatively insignificant part of a whole.

token few

Suggests the quantity is representative but not substantial.

handful

Suggests a quantity small enough to be held in one hand.

unsubstantial figure

Emphasizes the lack of weight or significance of the quantity.

negligible quantity

Indicates that the quantity is so small it can be ignored.

FAQs

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

You can use "small number" to refer to a limited quantity of something. For example, "Only a "small number" of applicants were selected for the interview."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "small number"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "limited quantity", "few", or "handful".

Is it always appropriate to use "small number"?

While generally acceptable, consider your audience and the context. In formal writing, more precise language might be preferable. Instead of saying "small number", you could use "precise quantity".

What's the difference between "small number" and "large number"?

The key difference is the quantity being described. "Small number" indicates a limited quantity, while "large number" indicates a significant quantity. The perception of what constitutes "small" or "large" can vary depending on the context.