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Grammar fix

small group

a few people together

A small number of people gathered or working together, usually less than ten.

collocationB1common

Hear it in context

Notice where the phrase sounds natural.

  • We discussed the project in a small group before sharing our ideas with the whole class.daily life
  • In my opinion, working in a small group helps people communicate more easily and share ideas.IELTS speaking

Fix the pattern

Pattern: a small group (of [people])

WrongWe worked in a small group of three persons.

RightWe worked in a small group of three people.

'People', not 'persons' (which is legal/formal).

Patterna small group (of [people])

Use it right

Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.

Stiff We were a limited number of individuals gathered together.

Natural There were just a small group of us.

Natural; 'a limited number of individuals' is form-filling language.

Build natural chunks

Words that usually travel with it.

  • a small group of
    of peoplework inintimateselect

Don't confuse it

'Large group' means many people; 'small group' means just a few.

Try it in Daily Speak →