there is a small number of

USAGE SUMMARY

The sentence "There is a small number of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this sentence to describe a quantity that is not large, for example: "There is a small number of people at the concert tonight."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There is a small number of Asian-American ballerinas, and a small number of black ones.

The New Yorker

Most are used with success, although there is a small number of clinical trials, especially those that might compare interventions.

Stanford University

"Because there is a small number of us, we are able to give a lot of personalised care and attention".

The Guardian

There is a small number of short-term visitor parking available in the parking lot located at the front of 344 Winchester.

Yale University

This difference between the median and mean value is due primarily to the long right tail of the distribution, meaning there is a small number of insiders making outsized profits.

Columbia University

That there is a small number of would-be jihadists prepared to carry out acts of carnage in revenge for British and western bloodletting in the Muslim world is not in doubt.

The Guardian - Opinion

In the southern province of Guiyang there is a small number of exceptionally remote villages of the Miao tribe where the women wear extraordinary woollen headpieces that were traditionally made from the hair of their ancestors – in remembrance.

The Guardian - Travel

There is a small number of luxury hotels, of which only a few have real character; at the other end of the scale, every connoisseur of Greece knows remote hideaways where visitors can live simply and blissfully.

The Economist

Consider book sales, which obey a power-law distribution: there is a small number of very popular books, which sell millions of copies, and then a long tail of less popular books.

The Economist

There is a small number of key business ratios that Emerson follows closely year in, year out in particular, free cash-flow and its own measure of return on capital.Like 3M, it also keeps a careful eye on the share of its sales coming from new products.

The Economist

We understand that there is a small number of community members who are upset with the delays.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "there is a small number of", consider if a more specific quantifier (e.g., "a few", "several") would provide greater clarity and impact. It can also make your writing more concise.

Common error

Avoid using "there is a small number of" when the quantity is truly negligible or nonexistent. In such cases, it's more accurate to state that there are "none" or "very few" to prevent misleading the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "there is a small number of" functions as a quantifier, specifically indicating that the amount of something is limited. Ludwig confirms its correct usage and widespread presence in various contexts. The phrase introduces a noun phrase and sets the expectation for a limited quantity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

31%

News & Media

30%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "there is a small number of" is a versatile phrase used to indicate a limited quantity. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent use across diverse fields, from science to news. While generally neutral in tone, consider whether more precise quantifiers might enhance clarity. Be mindful of overstating small quantities, and ensure subject-verb agreement. This phrase provides a useful way to manage expectations and convey scarcity effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

there are few

This is a shorter, more direct way to express a small quantity.

there's only a few

A more informal contraction conveying a similar meaning.

there is a limited amount of

Emphasizes the restriction on the quantity available.

there is a handful of

Implies a very small, easily countable quantity.

few exist

Concise statement indicating a limited presence or availability.

there is a scarce quantity of

Highlights the rarity or difficulty in finding a sufficient amount.

the quantity is minimal

Focuses on the insignificance of the amount present.

there is a trickle of

Suggests a slow and minimal flow or supply.

there is a restricted count of

Indicates that the number of something is officially and deliberately limited.

there is a modicum of

Indicates a very small or moderate amount, often barely sufficient.

FAQs

How can I use "there is a small number of" in a sentence?

Use "there is a small number of" to indicate that the quantity of something is limited. For example, "There is a small number of available tickets for the concert."

What can I say instead of "there is a small number of"?

You can use alternatives like "there are few", "there is a limited amount of", or "there is a handful of" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "there is a small number of" or "there are a small number of"?

The correct form depends on whether the noun following "of" is singular or plural. Use "there is" with singular nouns (e.g., "there is a small number of errors") and "there are" with plural nouns (e.g., "there are a small number of students").

What's the difference between "there is a small number of" and "there is a finite number of"?

"There is a small number of" implies a relatively low quantity. "There is a finite number of" simply means the quantity is not infinite, without necessarily being small. Use "there is a "finite number of"" when you want to emphasize that there is an upper limit.