a smaller amount

USAGE SUMMARY

"a smaller amount" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are talking about a quantity that is less than the amount you are comparing it to. For example, "We had a smaller amount of money to invest this year compared to last year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A smaller amount was paid in 2001, she said.

The New York Times - Arts

Social networks such as Facebook make up a smaller amount.

The Guardian - Tech

A smaller amount would go to deficit reduction.

The New York Times

The government will pay a smaller amount for losses less than $10 billion.

The New York Times

You can, of course, substitute the soda water with a smaller amount of tequila.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The machine will also perform a smaller amount of climate research.

The New York Times

A smaller amount is stored at the Idaho National Laboratory, in Idaho Falls.

The New York Times

"They get a smaller amount than that given to comparable white organizations.

The New York Times

Littered through the NSA material is a smaller amount of material about Australia's role in surveillance.

The Guardian - Film

Food costs are up nearly 6percentt, a smaller amount but still a drain on budgets.

The New York Times

The company eventually settled by agreeing to pay a smaller amount and submit to probation.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a smaller amount" to emphasize a reduction or limitation. It implies a conscious effort to use less.

Common error

Avoid using "a smaller amount" without a clear reference point for comparison. Instead of saying "Add a smaller amount", specify "Add a smaller amount than before."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a smaller amount" functions as a determiner phrase specifying a reduced quantity of something. As Ludwig AI suggests, it is used to indicate that a quantity is less than another one. This function is observed in various examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

33%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

4%

Encyclopedias

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a smaller amount" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression for indicating a reduced quantity or degree. Ludwig's examples and analysis confirm its versatility across various contexts, including news, science, and general writing. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness. While primarily functional in quantifying and comparing, be mindful of context to use it effectively, comparing it with something, whether explicit or implied.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a reduced quantity

Focuses on the act of diminishing the quantity.

a lesser quantity

Highlights the reduced size in terms of quantity.

a diminished volume

Emphasizes a reduced quantity in terms of volume.

a lighter measure

Suggests a less heavy or significant amount.

a trifling portion

Indicates an insignificant part or share.

a modicum

Refers to a small or moderate quantity of something desirable.

a fraction

Implies a part of a whole.

a trace element

Indicates a very small quantity of a particular element.

a sprinkle

Suggests a very light or sparse amount.

an iota

Emphasizes an extremely small quantity or degree.

FAQs

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

Use "a smaller amount" to indicate a quantity less than something else. For example, "I used "a smaller amount of salt" in the soup than the recipe suggested."

What's the difference between "a smaller amount" and "a lesser amount"?

"A smaller amount" typically refers to quantities that can be measured numerically. While "a lesser amount" is similar, it can also refer to abstract or non-countable things.

What are some alternatives to "a smaller amount"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases such as "a reduced quantity", "a lesser quantity", or "a diminished volume".

Is it grammatically correct to say "a smaller amount"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct and commonly used to describe a quantity that is less than another. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is suitable for use in written English.