smaller gathering

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "smaller gathering" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a group of people coming together that is less numerous than a larger gathering. Example: "We decided to have a smaller gathering at our house this weekend to celebrate the occasion with close friends."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

Halve the recipe for a smaller gathering.

The New York Times - Magazine

Tells about a visit to an "organization meeting, to a smaller gathering, and what goes on.

The New Yorker

Originally planned as a much smaller gathering, the ceremony expanded as many in the military asked to attend.

The New York Times

"As it's not as big as the other traditional Christmas birds it's definitely something to consider for a smaller gathering".

The Guardian - Business

"But I felt that for a smaller gathering I could live with the conflict, and would fully understand if anyone could not attend".

The New York Times

McConnell said that, in addition to the smaller gathering, the discussion in Tuesday's regularly scheduled lunch for all Republican senators was also almost entirely about health care.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

These smaller gatherings especially bring rural communities together, he said.

The New York Times

Kushner, President Trump's thirty-seven-year-old son-in-law and one of his senior advisers, preferred smaller gatherings.

The New Yorker

It now hosts similar events everywhere from India to Dubai, as well as smaller gatherings like the one last night.

The Guardian

But while some of the bigger festivals are struggling, smaller gatherings in unusual venues are proving incredibly popular.

BBC

These are among the more prominent outposts on these isles, but there are other, smaller gatherings.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When planning an event, use "smaller gathering" to clearly communicate that attendance will be limited and more intimate. This helps set expectations for guests and manage logistics more effectively.

Common error

While "smaller gathering" is widely understood, consider using more formal alternatives like "intimate assembly" or "select conference" in professional or academic writing to maintain a sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "smaller gathering" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability, fitting seamlessly into various sentence structures, as demonstrated in the examples provided.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

16%

Science

12%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "smaller gathering" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to describe an event or meeting with a reduced number of attendees. Ludwig AI affirms its validity and utility in various contexts. While generally neutral in tone, consider more formal alternatives for professional or academic settings. Its frequent appearance in News & Media suggests its widespread understanding, making it a reliable choice for clear communication. When planning events, use it to set expectations for guests and manage logistics. By using "smaller gathering", you can effectively convey the scale and nature of your event.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intimate get-together

Emphasizes the personal and close nature of the event.

cozy get-together

Highlights the comfortable and intimate atmosphere of the gathering.

scaled-down meeting

Highlights the diminished scale of the planned event.

reduced assembly

Focuses on the decreased size of the group.

close-knit group

Indicates a small, tightly bonded collection of individuals.

select few

Emphasizes the exclusivity and small size of the group.

compact conference

Suggests a smaller, more manageable professional meeting.

limited circle

Focuses on the restricted number of attendees.

private party

Highlights the exclusivity and reduced scale of the celebration.

mini reunion

Describes a small-scale gathering of people who haven't seen each other in a while.

FAQs

How can I use "smaller gathering" in a sentence?

You can use "smaller gathering" to describe a meeting or event with fewer attendees than usual. For example: "Due to budget constraints, we're planning a "smaller gathering" this year.".

What's a more formal alternative to "smaller gathering"?

For more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "intimate assembly", "select conference", or "private function".

Is it appropriate to use "smaller gathering" in business communication?

Yes, "smaller gathering" is generally appropriate for business communication, especially when discussing internal events or meetings. However, consider the context and audience to ensure the tone aligns with your company's style. Using phrases such as "scaled-down meeting" could be an appropriate choice.

What's the difference between "smaller gathering" and "intimate gathering"?

"Smaller gathering" emphasizes the reduced number of attendees, while "intimate gathering" highlights the close and personal atmosphere. The choice depends on which aspect you want to emphasize.