a far smaller

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a far smaller" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing sizes or quantities, indicating that one is significantly less than another. Example: "The new model is a far smaller version of the original design, making it more portable."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

On Monday evening, more than 1,000 protesters remained in three key locations - a far smaller crowd than over the weekend.

BBC

A far smaller proportion is recycled.

The New York Times

A far smaller set excel at both.

Harvard Business Review

But Argentina is a far smaller economy with a far smaller impact on other countries.

The New York Times

They actually are having a far smaller impact.

Cornell University

Rinsch's film already looks set for a far smaller haul.

The Guardian - Film

Franklin & Marshall, despite a far smaller endowment, remains a leader.

The New York Times

A far smaller fraction matured into dissertations and publications, that helped cement Tom's legacy.

Stanford University

Suicide bombers, while acting on a far smaller scale than gunmen, can strike most anywhere.

The New York Times

These groups account for a far smaller percent of voters in Massachusetts.

The New York Times

Perhaps most pertinent, it's a far smaller figure than the cost of inaction.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a far smaller", ensure that you are making a clear comparison to something else, establishing a point of reference for the reduction in size or quantity. For example, "The updated version has a far smaller footprint, making it ideal for smaller spaces."

Common error

Avoid using "a far smaller" when the difference is marginal or insignificant. Using a more neutral term like "slightly smaller" may be more appropriate in such cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a far smaller" functions as a comparative adjective phrase, modifying a noun by indicating that it is significantly less in size, quantity, or degree than something else. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable status in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a far smaller" is a grammatically correct and commonly used comparative adjective phrase. According to Ludwig AI, it effectively emphasizes a substantial difference in size, quantity, or degree across various contexts, including news, academia, and general discourse. While versatile, it's important to ensure the reduction being described is indeed significant to avoid overstatement. Related alternatives include "significantly reduced" and "considerably diminished", offering similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis. Top sources like The New York Times and The Guardian frequently employ this phrase, indicating its reliability and appropriateness in high-quality writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significantly reduced

This alternative emphasizes the notable decrease in size or quantity.

a considerably diminished

This alternative highlights the substantial reduction in size or importance.

a substantially decreased

This alternative focuses on the tangible decrease in amount or degree.

a markedly lessened

This alternative suggests a noticeable reduction in size or impact.

a greatly minimized

This alternative emphasizes the act of reducing something to its smallest possible size or extent.

a distinctly slighter

This alternative indicates a clear difference in size, although not necessarily a large one.

a notably tinier

This alternative emphasizes that something is remarkably small.

a clearly reduced

Highlights the evident reduction in magnitude or amount.

a much more compact

This suggests a more efficiently packed or smaller version.

a radically downsized

This emphasizes an extreme reduction in size or scope.

FAQs

How can I use "a far smaller" in a sentence?

You can use "a far smaller" to compare sizes or quantities, highlighting a significant reduction. For example, "This model has "a far smaller" carbon footprint than its predecessor."

What are some alternatives to saying "a far smaller"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "much smaller", "considerably smaller", or "significantly reduced" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it always appropriate to use "a far smaller", or are there better options in some cases?

While "a far smaller" is generally correct, consider whether the difference is truly significant. If the reduction is minor, phrases like "slightly smaller" might be more accurate.

What is the difference between "a far smaller" and "a slightly smaller"?

"A far smaller" indicates a substantial difference in size or quantity, while "a slightly smaller" implies a marginal or negligible difference.