small subset

USAGE SUMMARY

"small subset" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a small part of a larger group, collection, or set. For example, "We analyzed a small subset of the data to determine which trends were most prominent."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Conversations about bombings and attacking Parliament appeared to involve only a small subset of the group.

The New York Times

Blood cancers are a fairly small subset of cancers as a whole.

The New Yorker

"Fortunately, that's a fairly small subset of clutter items," he said.

The New York Times - Tech

And equally, note that Google Play users are a pretty small subset of music fans.

The Guardian - Music

Pandas cases represent a small subset of all children who have O.C.D.

The New York Times - Health

"It's a very small subset of what the application does".

The New York Times - Tech

IN the small subset of automobiles that can properly be called American sports cars, the undisputed king is the Corvette.

The New York Times - Travel

Only a small subset — five to fifteen per cent — struggle in a way that says they need help".

The New Yorker

"Finasteride might make a difference but only in a very small subset of men," Dr. Albertsen said.

The New York Times

But no structural genomics company or laboratory will be able to do more than a small subset of all proteins.

The New York Times - Science

And it turns out they usually pick the same guy, or a very small subset of the guys gets chosen".

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "small subset", ensure the context clearly defines the larger set it belongs to. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid implying that a "small subset" represents the entire group. Clearly acknowledge its limited scope to maintain accuracy and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "small subset" functions as a noun phrase, where 'small' modifies the noun 'subset'. Ludwig AI shows it's used to identify a limited portion of a larger group. The adjective 'small' emphasizes the restricted size of the subset being discussed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Science

32%

Formal & Business

19%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "small subset" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe a limited portion of a larger group. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears frequently in news, scientific, and formal business contexts. To ensure clarity, always specify the larger group to which the "small subset" belongs. While alternatives like "limited portion" and ""select few"" exist, "small subset" provides a direct and neutral way to convey this concept. Avoiding overstatements about the significance of the subset is crucial for maintaining accuracy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

small segment

Omits the adjective "subset" while retaining a very similar meaning.

limited portion

Emphasizes the restricted quantity or extent.

tiny fraction

Highlights the diminutive size of the portion.

select few

Suggests a carefully chosen group, often implying exclusivity.

minor segment

Focuses on the small and often less significant nature of the part.

limited selection

Indicates a restricted choice from a larger pool.

restricted sample

Highlights the limited nature of a group taken for analysis.

modest segment

Emphasizes the unassuming size of the portion.

handful

Informal way to express a very small number.

fraction

Using a mathematical term to show a part of the whole.

FAQs

How to use "small subset" in a sentence?

You can use "small subset" to indicate a limited portion of a larger group. For example, "Only a "select few" benefited from the policy change."

What can I say instead of "small subset"?

You can use alternatives like "limited portion", "tiny fraction", or ""select few"" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "small subset" or "smaller subset"?

"Small subset" is generally used to indicate a small portion of a larger group. "Smaller subset" implies a comparison between two subsets, indicating one is smaller than the other.

What's the difference between "small subset" and "small sample"?

"Small subset" refers to a portion of a larger group, while "small sample" typically refers to a limited selection used for analysis or testing. They both indicate a limited quantity, but apply to different contexts.