a smaller number

USAGE SUMMARY

"a smaller number" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
You can use this phrase to compare two numbers and indicate that one is smaller than the other. For example: - "The first group has a smaller number of members than the second group." - "I need to find a smaller number of ingredients for this recipe." - "His salary is a smaller number compared to hers." Overall, "a smaller number" is a versatile phrase that can be used in various contexts to convey the idea of something being less in quantity or size than another.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A smaller number were fired against Belgium.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A smaller number are working inside Syria.

The New York Times

"A smaller number dispute that.

The New York Times - Arts

A smaller number were Hungarian.

The New York Times

A smaller number suggested Mr. Gore.

The New York Times

A smaller number are from overseas.

The New York Times - Travel

A smaller number are privately insured.

Nature

So they limited the pool immediately to a smaller number.

Cornell University

Its heartlands consist of a smaller number of poorer people.

The Guardian - Opinion

A smaller number of people actually transact business.

The New York Times - Tech

That may get squeezed down to a smaller number.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing groups, use "a smaller number" to clearly indicate a quantity less than another. Avoid ambiguity by specifying what you're counting.

Common error

Be careful to use "a smaller number" only with countable nouns. For uncountable nouns, use "a smaller amount" or "less".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a smaller number" functions as a determiner phrase, specifically a quantifier. It modifies a noun, indicating a quantity less than some other quantity. As seen in Ludwig's examples, it often appears in comparative constructions to show relative sizes of groups or amounts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Academia

27%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a smaller number" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to indicate a quantity that is less than another. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's versatile and suitable for various contexts, from academic writing to news reporting. Remember to use it with countable nouns and be clear about what you're counting. Consider alternatives like "a reduced quantity" or "fewer instances" depending on the specific meaning you want to convey. While the phrase enjoys very high occurrence probability in news media and academic circles, always clarify the reference to prevent confusion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a reduced quantity

Focuses on the quantity being less, emphasizing the reduction.

a lower quantity

Emphasizes the 'low' aspect of quantity rather than the comparative.

a limited amount

Shifts the focus to 'amount' rather than 'number', implying a restriction.

a lesser amount

Uses 'lesser' to indicate a smaller quantity, but focuses on amount.

fewer instances

Specifically refers to the count of occurrences or instances.

a minority

Refers to a group or subset that is smaller in size.

a handful

Implies a very small quantity, something that can be held in a hand.

a select few

Highlights the exclusivity or special nature of the small group.

a trickle

Suggests a slow and minimal flow or quantity.

an insignificant portion

Highlights that the quantity is so small that it is not important.

FAQs

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

Use "a smaller number" to indicate a quantity that is less than another. For example, "a larger number of students attended the lecture, but "a smaller number" participated in the discussion".

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

"A smaller number" is used for countable items (e.g., people, objects), while "a smaller amount" is used for uncountable items (e.g., water, sand).

What can I say instead of "a smaller number"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "a reduced quantity", "a lower quantity", or "fewer instances".

Is it always necessary to specify what "a smaller number" refers to?

While not always grammatically required, specifying what you are counting after using the phrase clarifies the meaning and avoids ambiguity for the reader or listener.