small seminar

USAGE SUMMARY

"small seminar" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a seminar that is limited in size. For example, "We will be hosting a small seminar for only 20 participants next week."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

Small seminar size prevails once more.

Columbia University

Courses numbered 4900-4989 are small seminar courses.

Cornell University

They worked intensely in a small seminar room or a coffee shop, or while taking a long walk.

The New Yorker

In small seminar classes, the curve still exists, but it is further relaxed.

University of California, Berkeley

About four years ago, at a NATO conference in Brussels, I read a paper called "Does NATO Exist?" to a small seminar.

The New York Times - Magazine

Gulati, 55, teaches another lecture course called global economics and a small seminar focusing on sports business that drew guest speakers this semester like N.B.A. Commissioner Adam Silver.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

This in-depth, small-scale seminar explains the storytelling functions of the human brain, and how writers can exploit its natural processes in their work.

The Guardian

Small seminar-style discussion sections with research-based discussions, student led PowerPoint presentations, and writing workshops.

Stanford University

Small seminars to teach research and writing would vanish.

The New York Times

He has taken to holding small seminars with young people, women, actors and athletes.

The New York Times

Some stars teach only occasionally, others mainly graduate students or small seminars.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the benefits of a "small seminar", highlight the increased opportunities for personalized feedback and direct interaction with instructors.

Common error

Avoid using "small seminar" when referring to a large lecture or conference session. The term implies a limited number of attendees and a more intimate learning environment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "small seminar" functions as a noun phrase, where 'small' modifies the noun 'seminar'. It describes a specific type of educational session characterized by its limited size. Ludwig confirms its standard grammatical function.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Academia

50%

News & Media

31%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "small seminar" is a grammatically correct and commonly used term, particularly in academic and news contexts, to describe an educational session with a limited number of participants. As Ludwig AI indicates, it functions as a noun phrase specifying the nature of the seminar. When using this phrase, it's important to consider the increased opportunity for interaction and personalized feedback within the setting. While "small seminar" is a versatile term, alternatives like "intimate class" or "focused study group" may better suit different contexts to convey more nuanced characteristics of the session.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intimate class

Focuses on the close-knit environment of the group, shifting from size to atmosphere.

limited-enrollment workshop

Highlights the restricted number of participants, emphasizing exclusivity.

focused study group

Emphasizes the concentrated nature of the study and the collaborative aspect.

exclusive tutorial session

Highlights the privileged nature of the session and the personalized guidance.

compact discussion group

Uses 'compact' as a synonym for 'small' and emphasizes the discussion aspect.

personalized learning module

Shifts the focus to individual learning experience.

miniature academic circle

Employs a metaphorical description to represent its close and academic nature.

select learning pod

Emphasizes exclusivity and the collaborative spirit.

micro-seminar

Uses 'micro' as a modern substitute for 'small' highlighting the size.

boutique educational gathering

Presents the session as a curated and high-quality learning opportunity.

FAQs

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

You can use "small seminar" to describe a class with a limited number of students, such as: "The professor leads a "small seminar" on post-modern literature".

What are some alternatives to saying "small seminar"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "intimate class", "limited-enrollment workshop", or "focused study group" to convey a similar meaning.

What are the benefits of attending a "small seminar"?

A "small seminar" typically offers increased opportunities for student participation, personalized feedback from the instructor, and a more collaborative learning environment.

Is a "small seminar" the same as a lecture?

No, a "small seminar" is different from a lecture. Lectures are usually larger and more formal, while "small seminars" are typically smaller, more interactive, and discussion-based.