a factor of two smaller

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a factor of two smaller" is not correct in standard English usage. It can be used when comparing sizes or quantities, but it should be rephrased for clarity. An example could be: "The new model is a factor of two smaller than the previous one." Alternative expressions include "half the size," "twice as small," or "two times smaller."

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

The relative error norm of the latter, the L2-norm scaled by a function of the number of implicit stages, is a factor of two smaller than comparable methods found in the literature.

Journal of Computational Physics

Table 2 compares the low-index surface energies calculated for CeO2 and c-ZrO2 nano-particles, showing that both crystalline structures favour the (111) surface that strongly minimize the Gibbs free energy, but the difference between the (001) and (111) surface energies in the case of c-ZrO2 turned out to be about a factor of two smaller than in the case of CeO2.

Materials for Renewable and Sustainable Energy

The genomes we sequenced are almost a factor of two smaller than that of the most closely related fully sequenced cyanobacterium, Anabaena sp. PCC 7120 (hereafter referred as Anabaena) (6.41 Mb) (Table 2).

Plosone

At this timepoint, tumors of PLP-L-treated mice were on average a factor of two smaller than those of the Control group.

Angiogenesis

With an average of 2395%5% quantile 6 30) cells per crypt circumference, a figure similar to that found in mouse colon, this is consistent with a maximum functional stem cell number of around n = 6, approximately a factor of two smaller than the average number of cells at the crypt base (mean = 10 cells; 95% quantile 6 15; Table 1 and Figures S2E S2G).

Cell Reports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

The corresponding bulk yield strength (compression) of micron-Ni is, about a factor-of-three smaller than the nano-Ni.

Nanoscale Research Letters

We have used strain-rate jump tests to examine the strain-rate sensitivity (SRS) of the processed samples and found that the SRS of the ECAE-processed Nb is ∼0.012, which is a factor of three smaller than that of the coarse-grained counterpart.

Acta Materialia

Virgin GC surfaces (not previously subjected to stationary etching by H atoms) exhibit a remarkably low reactivity with respect to adsorption of D. The saturation coverage of D on GC is about a factor of ten smaller than on (0 0 0 1) graphite surfaces (HOPG or natural single crystal).

Carbon

This allows the use of a smaller crucible (up to a factor of three smaller) which results in a smaller total heat loss.

International Journal of Energy and Environmental Engineering

Our obtained numbers are a factor of five smaller than Zeng's [11] estimate of carbon storage potential from collection of dead and mature trees.

Carbon Balance and Management

Comparing these with RSL rates from tide-gauge data in East Asia, the GIA-induced RSL rate is, in general, a factor of ten smaller than the observed secular RSL rate, and the average RSL rate after removing the effect of GIA is ∼2.22 mm/yr.

Earth, Planets and Space

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing sizes or quantities, consider using more direct and easily understood phrases such as "half the size" or "twice as small" for improved clarity.

Common error

Avoid using the phrase "a factor of two smaller" in contexts where simpler alternatives like "half the size" or "twice as small" would be clearer and more natural. Choose the wording that best suits your audience and the overall tone of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a factor of two smaller" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun, indicating the degree to which something is smaller in comparison to something else. Ludwig AI indicates this usage is acceptable, though less preferred for clarity than simpler alternatives.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

100%

Less common in

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a factor of two smaller" is used to describe something that is half the size or amount of something else. While grammatically acceptable, Ludwig AI suggests that simpler phrases like "half the size" or "twice as small" are often clearer and more natural. This phrase is most commonly found in scientific contexts, and while understandable in other contexts, it is generally considered more formal. Ultimately, while it's understood, opting for more straightforward phrasing usually enhances clarity for a broader audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

half the size

This alternative provides a straightforward and easily understandable way to express that something is reduced by a factor of two.

twice as small

This alternative rephrases the concept to emphasize the smallness in relation to another quantity, maintaining the factor of two.

50 percent smaller

Expresses the reduction as a percentage, which can be useful in certain contexts for clarity.

reduced by a half

This uses a more formal tone, indicating a reduction by a factor of two.

a twofold reduction

This alternative uses a more technical or formal term to express a reduction by a factor of two.

diminished by half

This alternative uses a different verb (diminished) but retains the same meaning of a reduction by 50%.

cut in half

This alternative is more colloquial and implies a direct division into two equal parts.

halved in size

Emphasizes the action of making something half of its original size.

50% reduction

Conveys the same meaning using percentage and without mentioning the factor.

reduced two times

A more literal rephrasing emphasizing the multiple by which something is reduced.

FAQs

What does it mean when something is "a factor of two smaller"?

It means that the size, amount, or value of something is half of what it was previously, or half the size, amount, or value of something else.

How can I rephrase "a factor of two smaller" to be clearer?

Alternatives include "half the size", "twice as small", or "50 percent smaller". The best choice depends on the specific context. Consider saying "half the size" or "twice as small".

Is "a factor of two smaller" grammatically correct?

While not strictly incorrect, it's often perceived as awkward. Simpler phrasing is usually preferred. Ludwig AI indicates this usage is acceptable but suggests rephrasing for clarity.

What's the difference between "a factor of two smaller" and "a factor of two larger"?

"A factor of two smaller" indicates a reduction by half, whereas "a factor of two larger" means something is twice as big or twice the amount.