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small group — a few people together

collocationB1IELTS 5+neutralcommon

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

Say it like a native

Textbook We were a limited number of individuals gathered together.

Native There were just a small group of us.

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

Pattern: a small group (of [people])

In use

  • 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

Common mistake

✗ We worked in a small group of three persons.

✓ We worked in a small group of three people.

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

Common collocations

  • a small group of — of people, work in, intimate, select

Don't confuse it

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

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