a smaller number of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a smaller number of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when comparing two or more larger numeric values in order to emphasize the smaller value in the comparison. For example, "Only a smaller number of students chose to participate in the optional field trip".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A smaller number of people actually transact business.

The New York Times - Tech

Its heartlands consist of a smaller number of poorer people.

The Guardian - Opinion

"I'm ready to concentrate on a smaller number of paintings and a smaller number of collectors," Mr. Findlay said.

The New York Times - Arts

Others have recruited a smaller number of people.

The New York Times

A smaller number of artists play with optical perception.

The New York Times - Arts

Prices also increased suddenly for a smaller number of stocks.

The New York Times

A smaller number of people are heroin users.

The New York Times

(A smaller number of "tons," but "tons" just the same).

The New York Times

So have a smaller number of MiG-23s.

The Economist

In a smaller number of cases, the result, post-op diagnosis and pathological findings are recorded.

Columbia University

If a smaller number of cables are to be deployed, greater lengths are possible.

Columbia University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a smaller number of" when you want to emphasize a comparison between two quantities, highlighting the diminished size of one relative to the other. For example, instead of saying "Few people attended", you might say "A smaller number of people attended compared to last year".

Common error

Avoid using "amount" when referring to countable items. "Number" is for things you can count individually, while "amount" is for uncountable quantities. For instance, it's correct to say "a smaller number of cars", but "a smaller amount of water".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a smaller number of" functions as a determiner phrase, specifically a quantifier, modifying a noun to indicate a reduced quantity compared to an implied or stated larger quantity. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound and common.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Academia

26%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a smaller number of" is a versatile and grammatically correct phrase used to indicate a reduced quantity of countable items. As Ludwig AI points out, it's essential to use "number" for countable items and "amount" for uncountable quantities. The phrase is very common in news, academic, and scientific writing. When aiming for variety, consider alternatives like "fewer", "a reduced quantity of", or "a lower proportion of". Remember to use "number" when referring to countable items, avoiding the common mistake of using "amount" instead.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a reduced quantity of

Focuses on the diminished amount or volume, rather than the count.

a lesser quantity of

Similar to 'reduced quantity', but emphasizes the relative insignificance of the amount.

a decreased amount of

Highlights the decline in the total sum or aggregate.

a lower proportion of

Shifts the focus to the relative ratio or percentage, instead of absolute numbers.

fewer instances of

Emphasizes the reduced occurrences or events, rather than the entities themselves.

a decline in the number of

Highlights the downward trend or reduction in quantity.

a minority of

Indicates a smaller group or portion relative to a larger whole.

a handful of

Implies a very small quantity, often suggesting a limited or manageable number.

a sprinkling of

Suggests a sparse or scattered distribution of items or entities.

a paucity of

Highlights the scarcity or lack of something.

FAQs

How do I use "a smaller number of" in a sentence?

Use "a smaller number of" when you want to indicate that one group or quantity is less than another. For example, "A smaller number of participants signed up this year compared to last year".

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

"A smaller number of" is used for countable items, while "less" is used for uncountable quantities. For instance, "a smaller number of books" is correct, but "less water" is appropriate.

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

Alternatives include "fewer", "a reduced quantity of", or "a lower proportion of", depending on the specific context.

Is it ever correct to say "a less number of"?

No, "a less number of" is grammatically incorrect. The correct phrase is "a smaller number of" when referring to countable items. "Less" is for uncountable quantities.