though a small number

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "though a small number" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to introduce a contrast or exception regarding a quantity or amount, often implying that despite the small number, something significant still applies. Example: "Though a small number of participants attended the meeting, their feedback was invaluable."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

In the last few decades, though, a small number of circuit designers and other researchers have decided that they want their circuits to march to a different, clock-free drummer that lets them proceed at their own best speed.

The New York Times - Tech

But now, with the draft long since dissolved, fewer graduates have direct experiences of war (though a small number volunteer each year).

Princeton University

Turkey was desperately poor, though a small number of rich Turks aggressively pursued admission to the modern world, to Europe or America.

The New York Times - Books

An adult immune system can usually fight off a new hepatitis B infection, though a small number of cases become chronic.

The New York Times

Some 50,000 residents fled in the first two weeks after the earthquake, though a small number have begun trickling back.

The New York Times

Even though a small number of brave MPs try against huge odds to take their work seriously, in the main a seat in the house has become a conduit for corruption.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

Though still a small number, that's up from four in 2011.

Los Angeles Times

Importantly though, apart from a small number of studies, the interaction between health systems and health interventions is not well explored (24, 25).

Global Health Action

Mycotoxins occur in great number and variety, though only a small number occur regularly in human foodstuffs and animal feeds.

Britannica

Even though only a small number of UN observers are on the ground, "already they have had a visible impact, an effective impact," Ladsous said.

The Guardian

There were roughly 25,000 such private Islamic schools around Pakistan, though only a small number of them regularly bred young terrorists.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "though a small number" to introduce a contrast when the limited quantity is still relevant or significant to the context. It softens a statement while acknowledging an exception.

Common error

Avoid using "though a small number" when exact figures are crucial. In situations needing precise data, provide specific numbers instead of a vague qualifier.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "though a small number" functions as an adverbial phrase of concession, introducing a contrast or exception to a preceding statement. Ludwig confirms this through various examples where it qualifies a previous claim by acknowledging a limited quantity.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

40%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "though a small number" is a useful phrase for introducing a contrast or exception when a quantity is limited but still significant. Ludwig AI validates that this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used in diverse contexts, from news and media to scientific publications. Remember to use specific numbers when precision is crucial and to consider the context when choosing between this and similar phrases. Ludwig AI confirms this through various examples where it qualifies a previous claim by acknowledging a limited quantity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

despite a few

Emphasizes the contrast, focusing on the existence of some despite an overall situation.

although there are few

Highlights the existence of a limited quantity, similar to the original phrase.

even if only a handful

Emphasizes the scarcity and limited nature of the quantity.

while a minority

Focuses on the small proportion or percentage involved.

albeit a limited quantity

More formal phrasing, emphasizing the restriction on the amount.

granted a small portion

Acknowledges the existence of a small part or share.

notwithstanding a few

Highlights that something holds true despite the limited number.

even though some are

Focuses on the existence of some items within a larger context.

in spite of the scarcity

Highlights the limited availability or presence of something.

with limited instances

Focuses on the few instances where something occurs.

FAQs

How can I use "though a small number" in a sentence?

Use "though a small number" to introduce a contrasting point or exception when discussing a quantity. For example, "Though a small number of students participated, their feedback was invaluable."

What are some alternatives to "though a small number"?

You can use alternatives like "despite a few", "although there are few", or "even if only a handful depending on the context".

Is it always necessary to specify the actual number instead of saying "though a small number"?

Not always. "Though a small number" is suitable when the exact quantity is not critical, and you want to highlight a contrast. However, use specific figures when precision is essential.

What's the difference between "though a small number" and "despite the limited number"?

Both phrases convey a similar meaning, but "despite the limited number" emphasizes the limitation itself, while "though a small number" focuses on the contrasting point that exists despite the small quantity.