a much smaller number

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a much smaller number" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when comparing quantities to emphasize that one quantity is significantly less than another. Example: "In the recent survey, a much smaller number of participants reported feeling satisfied with the service compared to last year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

(A much smaller number immigrated to the North).

The New Yorker

That's a much smaller number than HHS would like.

The Economist

A much smaller number include ambiguous names or names which aren't in the UK birth statistics.

The Guardian

"It's a much smaller number of people getting the information, but it's more valuable," Zuckerberg said.

The New Yorker

A poll in January showed a much smaller number of fingers pointed in that direction.

The New York Times

We have put a much smaller number through – 15 or 20.

The Guardian

Also received were a much smaller number of submissions from corporations.

The Guardian - Tech

The fortunes of a few top companies represented opportunity for a much smaller number of Americans.

The New York Times - Magazine

Classes often consist of around 30 students, with a much smaller number making it to graduation.

The New York Times

They can break even with a much smaller number of subscribers.

The Economist

A much smaller number, however, actually become investigative cases, the police said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a much smaller number", ensure there's a clear reference point for comparison to emphasize the difference. For example, "While 1000 applications were received, a much smaller number were actually qualified."

Common error

Avoid using "a much smaller number" without providing context or a reference point. Saying "a much smaller number attended" is less effective than "a much smaller number, only 10, attended compared to the expected 50."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a much smaller number" functions as a determiner phrase, modifying a noun (usually implied or explicitly stated) to indicate quantity. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is usable and correct in written English. Examples from Ludwig demonstrate its use in comparing quantities to emphasize a significant difference.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a much smaller number" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to express a significant difference in quantity. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's suitable for various contexts, from scientific reports to news articles. To maximize clarity, always ensure a reference point for comparison is present. While the phrase is versatile, related alternatives such as ""a significantly lower number"" or ""a considerably reduced number"" may offer nuances in emphasis. Remember that while widely accepted and used, its effectiveness hinges on providing context for comparison.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significantly reduced quantity

Emphasizes the reduction is noteworthy or important.

a considerably fewer amount

Highlights the noticeable difference in quantity.

a substantially diminished number

Implies the reduction is significant and impactful.

a markedly lower total

Focuses on the overall count being noticeably less.

a greatly decreased portion

Indicates a large decrease in the segment or share.

a notably contracted figure

Suggests a visible and distinct reduction in the numerical value.

a palpably shrunken tally

Indicates an obvious or easily perceived decline in the final count.

a distinctly lessened volume

Focuses on a clear and recognizable reduction in capacity or magnitude.

a radically abridged amount

Suggests a fundamental or extreme reduction in the quantity.

a demonstrably curtailed count

Highlights that the reduced amount can be clearly shown or proven.

FAQs

How can I use "a much smaller number" in a sentence?

Use "a much smaller number" to indicate that one quantity is significantly less than another. For instance, "While many applied, "a much smaller number" were accepted".

What is an alternative to saying "a much smaller number"?

Alternatives include "a significantly lower number", "a considerably reduced number", or "a substantially smaller number", depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "a much smaller number"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The phrase is commonly used and well-understood in English.

What's the difference between "a smaller number" and "a much smaller number"?

"A smaller number" simply indicates a lesser quantity, whereas ""a much smaller number"" emphasizes that the difference is significant or substantial.