a shorter range

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a shorter range" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing distances, capacities, or extents, indicating that something has less range than another. Example: "The new model has a shorter range than its predecessor, making it less suitable for long trips."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

It is faster, but has a shorter range and doesn't work with 802.11b devices.

The New York Times - Tech

"I have to plan my trips more because it's got a shorter range.

The New York Times

As these chips use less power than Bluetooth, NFC works over a shorter range: just a few centimetres.

The Economist

The SM-3 interceptors now planned have a shorter range and fly less quickly than the rockets proposed by the Bush administration.

The Economist

"It pushes the price point of that car well beyond what a comparable gasoline engine car would be, and with a shorter range".

The New York Times

Earlier this month at the Los Angeles auto show, BMW unveiled its all-electric Mini E, with a smaller battery, a motor with about 20percentt less horsepower than Tesla's and a shorter range, 150 miles.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

In comparison with Wi-Fi, however, Bluetooth technology offers a short range, normally limited to 30 feet.

The New York Times - Tech

The wavelet coefficients have a short range correlation.

Earth, Planets and Space

"To [survey small objects], a short range laser scanner is required but, a short-range LS cannot capture big or far away objects.

TechCrunch

Like the iTrip, it broadcasts audio over a short range on FM frequencies.

Forbes

These additional channels interact with the electromagnetic field over a short range, resulting in high permittivity.

Nanoscale Research Letters

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing different technologies or products, use "a shorter range" to clearly indicate a limitation in their operational distance or scope.

Common error

Be careful not to misspell "range" as "renge". "Range" refers to distance or scope, while "renge" is not a recognized English word in most contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a shorter range" primarily functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun. It describes a characteristic of the noun, indicating that it possesses a smaller or more limited extent than a comparable entity. Ludwig confirms this usage through numerous examples across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

32%

News & Media

44%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a shorter range" is a grammatically sound and frequently used way to describe something with a limited extent, scope, or distance. As confirmed by Ludwig's analysis, it functions primarily as an adjectival phrase and is found in diverse contexts, including news media, science, and technical documentation. The phrase is considered correct and is suitable for neutral to formal writing. While "a limited reach" or "a narrower scope" can serve as alternatives, "a shorter range" often implies a specific, measurable reduction, such as the distance a device can transmit. Ludwig AI reports that while the phrase is usable, attention to spelling and context will improve clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a decreased distance

Directly refers to a physical reduction in separation.

a reduced span

Focuses on the extent or duration being less than usual.

a lessened extent

Refers to making something smaller than before.

a narrower scope

Emphasizes a limitation in the breadth of what is considered or included.

a diminished scope

Similar to "a narrower scope" but with a slightly weaker connotation.

a limited reach

Highlights the inability to extend as far as desired or expected.

a smaller radius

Specifically applies to circular or spherical extents.

a curtailed extent

Implies a more forceful or abrupt limitation.

a compressed scale

Suggests a reduction in the proportional representation of something.

a restricted ambit

Uses a more formal term for the boundaries or limits.

FAQs

How can I use "a shorter range" in a sentence?

You can use "a shorter range" to describe limitations in distance, capacity, or scope. For example, "This phone has "a shorter range" than the previous model".

What can I say instead of "a shorter range"?

Alternatives include "a limited reach", "a narrower scope", or "a decreased distance" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "a shorter range"?

Use "a shorter range" when you need to specifically point out that something has a smaller scope or reach compared to something else. For example, comparing the effective distance of two wireless technologies.

What's the difference between "a shorter range" and "a smaller range"?

While both phrases are similar, "a shorter range" often implies a physical distance or capacity, whereas "a smaller range" can also apply to abstract concepts like variety or selection.