a smaller and smaller

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a smaller and smaller" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a decreasing size or quantity over time or in a comparative context. Example: "As the project progressed, the budget became smaller and smaller, forcing us to make difficult decisions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

But AIDS is taking up a smaller and smaller part of his identity.

The New York Times - Health

They are not handing on the torch but passing it around a smaller and smaller circle".

The Guardian

"It's all getting compressed into a smaller and smaller amount of time".

The New York Times

Experience shows that those who adopt this strategy end up defending a smaller and smaller piece of ground.

The New Yorker

Since the beginning of the Clinton Administration, NASA has accounted for a smaller and smaller percentage of the federal budget.

The New Yorker

Neither could have seen any meaning in my own fancy for having things on a smaller and smaller scale".

The New Yorker

Packers' profit margins have soared, while cattle producers get a smaller and smaller share of the retail beef dollar.

The New York Times

As they comprise a smaller and smaller portion of GDP, however, they becomes less and less worth snatching.

The Economist

These hard-lobbying companies, most with unions that put a priority on health benefits for retirees, represent a smaller and smaller group of employers.

The New York Times

"That is a huge beast that is being created and Openreach will become a smaller and smaller part of that group.

The Guardian - Business

The result is that foundational research — which sets the stage for everything else and which the Nobel recognized — is getting a smaller and smaller piece of the pie.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a smaller and smaller" when you want to emphasize a continuous reduction or decline over time. For example, "The company's market share became "a smaller and smaller" portion of the overall industry."

Common error

Avoid using "a smaller and smaller" when you simply mean 'small'. The phrase implies a progressive reduction, not just a static small size. For example, don't say 'The room was "a smaller and smaller" size' if you mean 'The room was small'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a smaller and smaller" functions as a comparative adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a progressive decrease in size or amount. As shown by Ludwig, it's often used to describe trends or changes over time, highlighting the continuous reduction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a smaller and smaller" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe a continuous decrease or decline. Ludwig AI confirms its broad usability across various contexts, particularly in news, science, and business writing. When using this phrase, ensure that you are indeed referring to a progressive reduction and not simply describing something that is already small. Consider alternatives like "increasingly diminished" or "steadily declining" for nuanced variations in meaning. By understanding its proper usage and potential pitfalls, you can effectively convey the intended message with clarity and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

increasingly diminished

Emphasizes the continuous reduction in size or importance. Changes adjective order.

progressively reduced

Highlights the gradual nature of the decrease. Changes adjective order.

constantly shrinking

Uses a verb form to describe the continuous decrease. Changes word order.

ever-decreasing

Adds a sense of ongoing reduction. Uses a compound adjective.

gradually lessening

Focuses on the gradual reduction in amount or intensity. Changes word order.

steadily declining

Emphasizes the consistent downward trend. Changes word order.

becoming minimal

Describes the process of reaching a minimal level. Replaces 'smaller' with 'minimal'.

approaching insignificance

Highlights the eventual lack of importance. Uses different vocabulary.

waning more and more

Emphasizes the fading or weakening aspect. Uses different vocabulary and structure.

losing prominence

Focuses on decreasing visibility or importance. Uses different vocabulary.

FAQs

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

Use "a smaller and smaller" to describe something that is continuously decreasing in size or quantity over time. For instance, "The font size on the screen became "a smaller and smaller" until it was unreadable."

What is a good alternative to "a smaller and smaller"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "increasingly diminished", "progressively reduced", or "constantly shrinking" to convey a similar meaning.

When is it appropriate to use "a smaller and smaller"?

It is appropriate when describing a trend of continuous reduction or decline. Avoid using it if you simply want to describe something that is already small without implying a change over time.

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

"Smaller" describes a static state of being less large. "A smaller and smaller", on the other hand, describes a dynamic process of continuous reduction. Using "smaller" to describe the Grand Canyon doesn't mean the canyon is getting smaller but describing a shrinking puddle you should use "a smaller and smaller" puddle.