a much smaller quantity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a much smaller quantity" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when describing something that is significantly smaller. For example, "We need to use a much smaller quantity of sugar for this recipe."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Mr. Petrossian sells mostly Iranian and Russian caviar in his shop in Paris and those in the United States, and a much smaller quantity of French and American.

The New York Times

A much smaller quantity is exported to Hong Kong and China, where the newly affluent have acquired a taste for Kesennuma shark fin.

The Guardian

Ms. Shire banished the béchamel, replacing it with a much smaller quantity of a much lighter velouté, substituted fresh red peppers for the pimentos, and added a healthy slug of brandy.

The New York Times - Food

Given the fact that not all soil microorganisms are capable of 137Cs uptake16,17, it is possible that 137Cs-accumulating microorganisms do not exist or are present in a much smaller quantity in the soils used for this study.

Nature

Tong211-LP was partially sterile and produced a much smaller quantity of seeds than expected from a normal rice individual.

BMC Plant Biology

But most of the confusion is inherent in the multiplicity of both substrate and enzyme and the necessity of predicting the 40%to50%0% conversion of a concentrated cellulose slurry from a reasonably short assay based on limited conversion of a much smaller quantity of substrate.

Biotechnology for Biofuels

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

In the case of the latter, a new ad campaign is initiated typically with a large amount of ads which are then funneled down to a much small quantity that are the best performing.

TechCrunch

Type III oxide is produced in much smaller quantity and results in a transition to the passive state.

Electrochimica Acta

At the factory, the different types of vats housing the fermenting soybeans are clear indicators that there are two products being made, and one in much smaller quantity.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

(The plan was to serve these pancakes topped with smoked salmon; for a different topping, I'd have used a different herb. For instance, with prosciutto-type ham, I might have used thyme, but in much smaller quantity because it is so bossy).

Huffington Post

The eastern edges of the plateau and, to a lesser extent, the coastal fringes receive much smaller quantities of rain from a northeasterly airstream that arrives in winter and spring.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing quantities, ensure the units of measurement are consistent for accurate comparison. For example, compare grams to grams, not grams to kilograms.

Common error

Avoid using "a much smaller quantity" when you actually mean to describe a difference in quality. "Quantity" refers to amount, while "quality" refers to attributes or characteristics.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a much smaller quantity" functions as a determiner phrase modifying a noun, indicating a reduced amount of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound and used to express a notable decrease in volume or amount.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

28%

Science

50%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a much smaller quantity" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to indicate a significant reduction in amount. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and the examples show its applicability across diverse contexts such as news, science, and general reference materials. When using this phrase, it's important to maintain consistent units of measurement for clear comparison and avoid confusion between quantity and quality. Related alternatives include ""a significantly lesser amount"" or ""a substantially reduced volume"", depending on the specific context. The phrase maintains a neutral to formal register, making it suitable for various professional and academic settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significantly lesser amount

Emphasizes the importance of the quantity and how drastically smaller it is.

a drastically diminished amount

Highlights the severe reduction in quantity.

a substantially reduced volume

Focuses on volume as the measure of quantity, suitable for liquids or three-dimensional objects.

a markedly diminished quantity

Highlights that the drop is obvious and easy to detect.

a considerably smaller portion

Implies that the quantity is a part of something larger.

a greatly decreased measure

Emphasizes the extent of the decrease using the word measure, implying that the original quantity was also the same.

a substantially reduced number

Specifically applicable when referring to countable items.

a substantially lower figure

Suitable when referring to numerical data or statistics.

a greatly reduced scale

Indicates a reduction in size or scope.

a far smaller extent

Suitable when discussing the degree or scope of something.

FAQs

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

Use "a much smaller quantity" to indicate a notable reduction in amount, such as, "The recipe calls for a tablespoon of salt, but I only used "a much smaller quantity" because of my dietary restrictions."

What is a good alternative to "a much smaller quantity"?

Alternatives include "a significantly lesser amount", "a substantially reduced volume", or "a markedly diminished quantity", depending on the context.

When should I use "amount" versus "quantity"?

"Amount" is generally used for uncountable nouns (e.g., water, sand), while "quantity" is often used for countable nouns (e.g., items, pieces). However, "quantity" can also refer to a general mass or number, making it more versatile, as in ""a much smaller quantity" of sand".

Is it correct to say 'a far smaller quantity' instead of "a much smaller quantity"?

Yes, "a far smaller quantity" is a correct and semantically similar alternative. The choice depends on the desired level of emphasis; 'much' is slightly more informal and direct.