Marginally smaller than

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Marginally smaller than" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing the size of two objects or quantities, indicating a slight difference in size. Example: "The new model is marginally smaller than the previous version, making it easier to store."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

They are marginally smaller than the new ship.

The Guardian - Travel

The SRX is only marginally smaller than Bristol.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"Your role was marginally smaller than mine, but I understand you were quite good.

The Guardian

Biomass-to-fuel conversion efficiency to DME is only marginally smaller than biomass-to-fuel conversion efficiency of methanol.

Biomass and Bioenergy

With a walk-in closet only marginally smaller than our room at the Marriott and three assorted bathrooms and toilets, the shower attachment alone was one of those top of the range ones which makes rinsing one's hair quite like driving a speedboat.

The Guardian - Travel

The 'Meat Feast Parmo' I ordered for £6.50 consisted of a chicken escalope marginally smaller than a satellite dish, deep fried in breadcrumbs, covered in béchamel sauce and melted cheddar cheese, and then topped with pepperoni, bacon, more cheese, and ladles of creamy garlic sauce.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

However, a relatively straight segment with no substantial calcification or atheroma can be cannulated even if marginally smaller in diameter than the intended sheath [49].

Insights into Imaging

The intersection between the BMP2 6 h and 24 h experiments was marginally smaller; however more than half of the genes regulated after 6 h overlap with genes regulated after 24 h.

BMC Genomics

In the Release condition, the P3 amplitude was marginally smaller in the Pseudoword than in the Word task.

Plosone

These rounds should be placed on marginally smaller discs of thick, rustic toast and – rather than oven-baking, which creates a sloppy cowpat of cheese – flashed under a very hot grill to create a sweet, caramelised surface on top.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

These behavioural responses showed substantial long-term individual stability over a 3-month period and were only marginally smaller when measured over a period of more than 4 years.

Animal Behaviour

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "marginally smaller than", ensure that the comparison is meaningful. If the difference is negligible, consider using language that emphasizes similarity rather than difference.

Common error

Avoid using "marginally smaller than" when the difference is actually significant. This can mislead your audience and undermine the credibility of your comparison. Instead, use words such as "substantially" or "considerably" to more accurately represent the true difference.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "marginally smaller than" functions as a comparative modifier, specifying that one entity is only slightly less in size compared to another. As Ludwig AI suggests, this phrase is common and acceptable in written English, particularly for precise comparisons.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

58%

News & Media

38%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "marginally smaller than" is a grammatically sound and acceptable way to express a slight difference in size between two items. It is most frequently used in science and news reporting, indicating a neutral to formal register. As Ludwig AI confirms, this comparative phrase is valuable for precise descriptions but should be used judiciously to avoid overstating minor differences. For those seeking to vary their language, alternatives like "slightly less than" or "somewhat smaller than" offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Barely smaller than

Stresses the minimal nature of the size difference.

Slightly less than

Emphasizes a minor difference in quantity or size.

A bit smaller than

Uses more informal language to indicate a small size discrepancy.

Somewhat smaller than

Indicates a degree of difference that is more noticeable but still not substantial.

Just a touch smaller than

Emphasizes the delicate or subtle nature of the size disparity.

Minutely smaller than

Highlights the minuscule aspect of the size difference.

Insignificant size difference compared to

Underlines the relative unimportance of the size distinction.

Perceptibly smaller than

Focuses on the noticeable but not overwhelmingly significant size difference.

Fractionally smaller than

Indicates the minimal size difference measured in fractions.

Almost the same size as

Shifts focus to the similarity in size, downplaying the difference.

FAQs

How can I use "marginally smaller than" in a sentence?

Use "marginally smaller than" to indicate that one item is only slightly smaller than another. For example, "The new phone is "marginally smaller than" the previous model, making it easier to hold".

What's a more informal way to say "marginally smaller than"?

If you're writing in a less formal context, you could use phrases like "a bit smaller than" or "slightly smaller than" as alternatives to "marginally smaller than".

How do I avoid overusing "marginally smaller than"?

To avoid repetition, vary your language by using synonyms like "somewhat smaller than", "a shade smaller than", or "barely smaller than", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "marginally smaller than" in formal writing?

Yes, "marginally smaller than" is suitable for formal writing. It is a precise and professional way to express a slight size difference, making it useful in academic, technical, and business contexts.