small study

USAGE SUMMARY

"small study" is correct and can be used in written English.
It can be used to refer to a room or area used for studying, or to a study that has been done with a limited number of participants. For example: "The researchers conducted a small study of fifty participants to explore the impact of social media use on mental health."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

One small study caught my eye.

The New York Times

A small study showed a positive response.

The Economist

Another small study showed similarly dramatic effects on bipolar disorder.

The Guardian - Opinion

The finding, which appears in the journal Science, is based on a small study.

The New York Times - Science

A small study adjoins the living room, creating an intimate area for reading or quiet conversation.

The New York Times

In 1997, doctors at Memorial Sloan-Kettering began their first small study with arsenic trioxide.

The New York Times - Magazine

"We are victims two ways," he said in his small study after Friday midday prayers.

The New York Times

It accommodates the master bedroom, a bathroom and a small study.

The New York Times

In one small study published last year, treatment with allopurinol reduced high blood pressure in adolescents.

The New York Times

Nearly all the small study galleries in the Egyptian collection contain pots and shards worth studying.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Small-study effects (publication bias, etc).

BMC Pediatrics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing research, acknowledge the limitations of a "small study". Be upfront about the sample size and potential biases. Use phrases like "While this small study suggests...", rather than making broad generalizations.

Common error

Avoid drawing sweeping conclusions from a "small study". A limited sample size means the results may not be representative of a larger population. Acknowledge the need for further research with larger and more diverse samples.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "small study" functions as a noun phrase, where "small" modifies the noun "study". It serves to describe the size or scope of a research endeavor. As Ludwig AI points out, it is widely used in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

38%

News & Media

59%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "small study" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe research with a limited scale or scope. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is correct and natural in written English. The phrase appears frequently in scientific and news contexts, signaling the need for cautious interpretation of results due to potential limitations. While versatile, it's important to avoid overgeneralizing from "small study" findings. Consider using alternative phrases like "pilot study" or "preliminary research" depending on the desired emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pilot study

Emphasizes the exploratory nature of the study as a preliminary investigation.

limited study

Focuses on the constraints or restrictions in the study's design or scope.

preliminary research

Highlights the initial stage of investigation and the need for further research.

modest investigation

Underscores the limited scale and resources allocated to the study.

narrow study

Indicates a study with a specific and restricted focus or scope.

focused study

Highlights a study that concentrates on a particular aspect or area of interest.

brief investigation

Suggests a concise and short-term study with limited duration.

compact study

Implies a tightly designed and efficient study with minimal complexity.

targeted research

Emphasizes the study's specific aims and objectives in addressing a particular problem.

initial inquiry

Highlights that the study represents the first steps in understanding a topic.

FAQs

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

You can use "small study" to describe research with a limited number of participants or a narrow scope. For example, "The results of this small study indicate a potential correlation, but further research is needed".

What are some synonyms for "small study"?

Alternatives to "small study" include "pilot study", "limited study", or "preliminary research", each emphasizing different aspects of the study's nature.

What are the limitations of a "small study"?

A "small study" is often limited by its sample size, which can affect the generalizability of the findings. It is important to acknowledge these limitations when discussing the results.

Is a "small study" always unreliable?

Not necessarily. A "small study" can provide valuable insights and generate hypotheses for further investigation. However, it is crucial to interpret the results cautiously and avoid overgeneralization.