little number vs small number

Both 'little number' and 'small number' are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'Little number' is more commonly used when referring to a small quantity or amount, while 'small number' is used when referring to a numerical value that is not large.

Last updated: March 24, 2024 • 2765 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used when referring to a small quantity or amount.

"little number"

The phrase 'little number' is used to describe a small quantity or amount of something. It is often used informally.

Examples:

There were only a little number of people at the party.
I have a little number of coins in my pocket.
She has a little number of friends in this city.

Show examples from the web [+]

And we whipped up a little number for you.
So, as a thank-you, I had the Glee Club put together a little number in your honor.
Here's a little number I tossed off recently in the Caribbean.
Can't really put much over on me, so it didn't really surprise me much when it turned out you had yourself a little number in mind.
WHAT ABOUT THAT LITTLE NUMBER YOU'VE GOT TUCKED AWAY IN BELSIZE PARK?
You see how she has a little number on her?
IT'S A LITTLE NUMBER SPECIALLY WRITTEN FOR THE PUBESCENCE OF EX-KING ZOG OF ALBANIA
IT'S A LITTLE NUMBER CALLED "ENGLAND'S MOUNTAINS GREEN."
-A little number called Babette.
No need to parade our little number.
This is a sporty little number.
I always do this little number here.
Did a little number with feathers, I believe.
I picked up this appropriate little number there.
And you are one hot little number.
Now this little number right here took first place at the Montana State Fair.
And then he went into his closet and dug out this little number.
She's a hot little number.
This is the little number that started it all.
I mean, she's a hot little number, and he's very heavy competition.

Alternatives:

small amount
few
handful
scant number
limited number

This phrase is correct and commonly used when referring to a numerical value that is not large.

"small number"

The phrase 'small number' is used to describe a numerical value that is not large. It is often used in a more formal context.

Examples:

Only a small number of students passed the exam.
There are a small number of seats available for the concert.
A small number of people attended the meeting.

Show examples from the web [+]

There are a small number of Bahá'í Kuwaiti citizens.
Haematuria/ proteinuria occurred in a small number of patients.
A small number (total of 98) of Caucasian patients were treated with telbivudine.
A small number of powerful men.
He would try to visualize it, guided by a small number of simple principles.
There may have been a small number of humans.
A small number of residents live in four small settlements.
A small number of archers may have been armed with crossbows (manuballistae).
Even if a small number of NOT gates are allowed, the complexity remains superpolynomial.
A small number escaped to Portugal or to other African nations.
A small number of these soldiers were later put on trial.
Ultimately, the notion that a person living millennia ago has a small number of descendants living today is statistically improbable.
Most people live on a diet based on just a small number of staples.
The government owns or supports most journals with only a small number being privately owned.
This lesion was surrounded by a small number of inflammatory cells (Figure 11).
A small number of electric cars were also made in 1901.
There are also a small number of residents of Somali origin.
Only a small number of core players were recruited before negotiations foundered.
Contained within this vacuum chamber are a small number of atoms.
Abraham, Isaac and Jacob are a small number.

Alternatives:

limited number
modest number
few
handful
scant number

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little number vs small number

"little number"

"small number"

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