a smaller prospect of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a smaller prospect of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the likelihood or potential of something occurring, particularly in a comparative context. Example: "With the new regulations in place, there is a smaller prospect of achieving our sales targets this quarter."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

This is a reasonable principle: even a small prospect of enormous good can swamp the prospect of more probable but much lesser goods.

The New York Times

The All Blacks love winning things to nil like Marlo Stanfield loves corners and there's the small prospect of a record-equalling 17th Test win in a row lying in wait.

The Guardian - Sport

Archives|RIFFIANS ATTACK PEACEFUL TRIBES; Abd-El-Krim's Forces Appear Discouraged by Losses and Small Prospect of Loot.

The New York Times

RIFFIANS ATTACK PEACEFUL TRIBES; Abd-El-Krim's Forces Appear Discouraged by Losses and Small Prospect of Loot.

The New York Times

Given the continuing climate of austerity in the public services, and the vanishingly small prospect of any bumper wage rise, this may be seen as opportune.

The Guardian

But for now, Western recruiters will have to get used to looking over a smaller number of prospects when they visit Chinese universities and be prepared to fight harder to win them.

Harvard Business Review

B2B generally involves a smaller pool of prospects when compared to B2C.

Forbes

Sir Rodric Braithwaite, former head of the joint intelligence committee and former ambassador to Moscow, published earlier this year a little-noticed but devastating analysis in a small highbrow magazine, Prospect, of the price we are now paying to the US in loss of sovereignty.

The Guardian

With such a small staff, the prospect of finding hidden gems or doing much digitizing seems remote.

The New York Times

But perhaps most of all what annoys me about the prospect of a smaller Galaxy S6 battery is Samsung's lack of common sense.

Forbes

Despite the prospect of a smaller fund for the developing nations, representatives of such nations taking part here signaled that they would rather have a less generous agreement than no agreement at all.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a smaller prospect of", ensure the context clearly establishes what the original, larger prospect was, to make the comparison evident.

Common error

Avoid using "a smaller prospect of" when the prospect is already minimal. Instead, consider phrases like "virtually no chance" or "negligible prospect" to more accurately reflect the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a smaller prospect of" functions as a qualifier, modifying a noun to indicate a reduced likelihood or possibility. This is supported by Ludwig, which confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

Science

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the expression "a smaller prospect of" is grammatically correct and functions to describe a reduced possibility or likelihood of an event. While Ludwig indicates that the phrase is usable, it is important to consider other options such as "a reduced chance of" or "a diminished likelihood of" to suit the specific context. This phrase suits neutral registers. Because of the lack of examples, the frequency is qualified as 'Missing'.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a reduced chance of

Emphasizes a decrease in the probability of something happening.

a diminished likelihood of

Highlights that the probability has been lessened.

a decreased possibility of

Focuses on the reduced potential for an event to occur.

a lower probability of

States that the chances are less compared to before.

a slighter chance of

Indicates a marginal decrease in the possibility.

a reduced likelihood for

Similar to "a diminished likelihood of", but emphasizes the target.

a lessened opportunity for

Implies that the chances for something to occur are lowered

a slimmer possibility of

Conveys that the chances are not as high

a fading hope of

Highlights the chances are disappearing

a weaker expectation of

Implies that there is less trust on the desired outcome

FAQs

How can I use "a smaller prospect of" in a sentence?

Use "a smaller prospect of" to indicate a reduced likelihood or possibility. For example, "Due to the economic downturn, there is "a smaller prospect of" significant salary increases this year."

What are some alternatives to "a smaller prospect of"?

Alternatives include "a reduced chance of", "a diminished likelihood of", or "a decreased possibility of". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a smaller prospect of" in formal writing?

Yes, "a smaller prospect of" is suitable for formal writing. It's a clear and professional way to express a reduced probability or potential.

What's the difference between "a smaller prospect of" and "a slight prospect of"?

"A smaller prospect of" implies a reduction in the previously existing likelihood, while "a slight prospect of" indicates that the likelihood is low to begin with, and does not necessarily represent any reduction from a previous state.