a smaller increase

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a smaller increase" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing changes in quantity, size, or degree, indicating that the increase is less than another increase being referenced. Example: "This quarter, we observed a smaller increase in sales compared to the previous quarter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

A smaller increase of $1.5 billion a year was also insufficient, the panel concluded.

The New York Times - Science

Wall Street economists expected a smaller increase.

The New York Times

The Senate bill calls for a smaller increase.

The New York Times

That was a smaller increase than economists had been expecting.

The New York Times

Using the authority's numbers translates into a smaller increase in health costs.

The New York Times

He said he believed the politicians should have split a smaller increase between diesel and gas.

The New York Times

There was also a smaller increase in numbers from Romania and Bulgaria.

The Guardian

That is a smaller increase than Chrysler has reported in previous months.

The New York Times

Consumer prices in America rose by 0.2% in April, a smaller increase than expected.

The Economist

It is seeking a smaller increase for HGTV, which currently earns 13 cents on average.

The New York Times

Economists had expected a smaller increase to a five million unit pace.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a smaller increase", be sure to specify what it is smaller than. Provide a clear point of comparison to give context to the reduced growth.

Common error

Avoid using "a smaller increase" without indicating what it's smaller than. Simply stating there's "a smaller increase" leaves the reader wondering what the benchmark or expectation was. Be specific to avoid ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a smaller increase" functions as a comparative descriptor, modifying a noun (often implied or explicitly stated, such as 'change', 'growth', or 'number'). As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is commonly used and grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

36%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a smaller increase" is a grammatically correct and commonly used comparative phrase, as validated by Ludwig AI. It's frequently found in news, science, and business contexts to denote a reduced rate of growth compared to a prior benchmark. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by explicitly stating what the increase is smaller than, to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives like "a slight increase" or "a marginal increase" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a marginal increase

Emphasizes that the increase is very small or insignificant.

a slight increase

Highlights the mild or gentle nature of the increase.

a modest increase

Suggests the increase is moderate and not excessive.

a reduced increase

Focuses on the reduction in the size of the increase compared to previous instances.

a minimal increase

Indicates the increase is the smallest possible or barely noticeable.

a lower increase

Directly compares the increase as being less than another.

a tempered increase

Implies the increase is controlled or restrained.

a restrained increase

Suggests the increase is limited or held back.

a curtailed increase

Emphasizes that the increase has been cut short or reduced.

a fractional increase

Conveys the increase is only a small part of a whole.

FAQs

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

You can use "a smaller increase" to compare changes in quantity, size, or degree, indicating that the increase is less than another increase being referenced. For example, "This year, we project "a smaller increase" in profits compared to last year".

What are some alternatives to "a smaller increase"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "a smaller increase" include "a slight increase", "a marginal increase", or "a modest increase".

Is it correct to say "a less increase" instead of "a smaller increase"?

While "less" and "smaller" can sometimes be interchangeable, "smaller" is generally the preferred term when describing an increase in quantity or size. "Less increase" is grammatically awkward; instead, consider using "a smaller increase" or "a reduced increase".

What's the difference between "a smaller increase" and "a larger increase"?

"A smaller increase" indicates a reduced growth rate or amount compared to a previous rate or expected value, while "a larger increase" signifies a more substantial growth rate or amount. They are direct antonyms, representing opposite trends in change.