small part

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "small part" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a minor or lesser component of a whole, often in contexts discussing size, significance, or contribution. Example: "Although it was just a small part of the project, her contribution made a significant impact on the overall outcome."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Politics plays a small part.

The Economist

I'm a small part.

The New York Times

A very small part, to be sure.

The New York Times

Soccer was a small part of that.

The New York Times - Sports

I play a small part.

The Guardian - Opinion

But that's a small part.

The New Yorker

A small part of my business?

The New York Times

1981 Small part in Body Heat.

The Guardian - Film

Stones are a small part of it.

The New York Times

"It's a small part of our portfolio.

The Guardian - Business

Tennis is a small part of it".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To enhance readability, vary your sentence structure when using "small part". Instead of always starting a sentence with it, try incorporating it within a clause or phrase.

Common error

Avoid assuming that because something is described as a "small part" that it's inherently unimportant. A "small part" can still play a crucial role in a larger system or process.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "small part" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It describes a component that is limited in size, quantity, or significance. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage is correct and commonplace.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Wiki

6%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "small part" is a grammatically sound and widely used phrase to denote a component that is limited in size, quantity, or significance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used correctly in written English. While its versatility allows it to fit into various contexts, it's essential to ensure its usage aligns with the intended message and doesn't inadvertently diminish the importance of the element being described. From news articles to scientific papers, the phrase "small part" finds relevance across various writing styles, making it a valuable addition to one's vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

minor portion

Replaces "part" with "portion", emphasizing the quantity or amount.

tiny fraction

Substitutes "small" with "tiny" and "part" with "fraction", highlighting the diminutive size.

limited segment

Replaces "part" with "segment", focusing on a section or division that is restricted in size.

modest element

Replaces "small" with "modest" and "part" with "element", suggesting a subtle or unassuming component.

negligible component

Replaces "small" with "negligible" and "part" with "component", indicating insignificance.

insignificant piece

Uses "insignificant" to describe the lack of importance, replacing "small", and "piece" instead of "part".

reduced portion

Emphasizes the reduction in size of the portion.

minimal fragment

Indicates that the part is very small and broken off from something larger.

narrow aspect

Focuses on a specific perspective that is limited in scope.

peripheral detail

Highlights that the detail is not central or essential.

FAQs

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

You can use "small part" to indicate a minor component of a larger whole. For example, "Although it was a "small part" of the project, her contribution was significant."

What are some alternatives to "small part"?

Alternatives include "minor portion", "tiny fraction", or "limited segment", depending on the context.

Is it always appropriate to use "small part"?

While generally acceptable, consider if a more specific term would provide better clarity. For instance, instead of "small part of the budget", you could say "5% of the budget".

What's the difference between "small part" and "insignificant part"?

"Small part" simply refers to size or proportion, while "insignificant part" implies a lack of importance. A "small part" can still be crucial, whereas an "insignificant part" is, by definition, not very important.