a smaller separation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a smaller separation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing distances, gaps, or differences that are less than a previous measurement or comparison. Example: "The new design allows for a smaller separation between the components, improving efficiency."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

In agreement with the prediction of a simple statistical mechanical model for β-hairpin formation, our results show that the separation between the loop segment and an interstrand cluster of hydrophobic side-chains strongly influences β-hairpin size and stability, with a smaller separation leading to greater stability.

Journal of Molecular Biology

On the first axis of variation, we observed separation of domestic dogs and grey wolves, whereas along the second axis of variation we observed a large separation between large and small domestic dogs and a smaller separation between Old World and New World wolves.

BMC Biology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Their comments led to more tweaks: designers added a small separation on a common tray between each pair of seats, so that passengers' drinks wouldn't touch.

The New York Times

In spacecrafts such as high-altitude rockets and lunar landers, multiple thrusters or engines operate simultaneously with a small separation distance.

Vacuum

In upward flame spread, for a small separation distance of 0.5 cm, multiple sheets produce spread rates lower than the single fuel case due to insufficient oxygen supply.

Combustion and Flame

The shock induced by the large separation bubble impinges on the cowl and induces a small separation bubble, which moves upstream and induces the reflection of the external compression shock at the cowl transiting from regular reflection to Mach reflection.

Aerospace Science and Technology

However, the unique optical properties of our multilayered nanosheets cannot be expressed by the Maxwell-Garnet theory because his theory is not applicable when the metallic nanoparticles are close to each other with a small separation gap at a high volume fraction and when the dipole interaction between adjacent nanoparticles is not negligible11,12.

Nature

Figure 5 plots the parallel component of the electric field (E //) obtained by the EFW instrument on all the four spacecrafts of the Cluster tetrahedron (which is with a small separation between satellites) within the time span of 18 35:25.624 to 18 35 31.922 UT, a time interval covering approximately two spin periods.

Earth, Planets and Space

Performing a small separation burn, Johnson backed the orbiter away from the telescope, and Altman called down to managers on the ground confirming the deployment of Hubble.

Wikipedia

There was a small separation (≤37 mL) between BID and OD dose response curves for mean trough FEV1 at steady-state in favour of BID dosing.

BMC Pulmonary Medicine

Using conventional soft lithography methods, a small separation between gas and fluid microchannels on the order of tens of micrometers can readily be achieved.

Analytical Chemistry

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing technical specifications or measurements, use "a smaller separation" to clearly indicate a reduction in distance or space between elements for improved performance or efficiency.

Common error

Avoid using "a smaller separation" when referring to abstract concepts like emotional distance or disagreements; instead, opt for phrases like "less conflict" or "reduced tension" to maintain clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a smaller separation" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition, to describe a reduced distance or interval. Ludwig AI shows its usage across various scientific and general contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

55%

News & Media

25%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a smaller separation" is a grammatically correct and usable expression, commonly employed across various domains, particularly in scientific and technical contexts, to describe a reduction in distance or space. Ludwig AI analysis shows its frequent use in scientific literature and news media. While its primary function is descriptive, it often carries implications of improvement or optimization. While grammatically sound, careful attention should be given to ensure its appropriateness in non-spatial contexts. Related alternatives include "a reduced distance" and "a narrower gap".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a lessened gap

A more direct way to say the gap is smaller.

a reduced distance

Focuses on distance as the key element being lessened.

a narrower gap

Emphasizes the gap between two objects or ideas is becoming smaller.

a decreased interval

Highlights that the interval or space has diminished.

a diminished space

Focuses on reduction of available area.

a closer proximity

Indicates items are nearer to each other.

a tighter spacing

Highlights the arrangement of multiple items with less space.

a condensed gap

Suggests a compression of the space.

a minimized distance

Focuses on having the least possible distance.

a contracted interval

Highlights that the interval has shrunk.

FAQs

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

You can use "a smaller separation" to describe a physical distance, as in "The components were placed with "a smaller separation" to improve the device's overall compactness."

What's an alternative to using "a smaller separation"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "a reduced distance", "a narrower gap", or "closer proximity" as alternatives to "a smaller separation".

When is it appropriate to use "a smaller separation" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "a smaller separation" when you specifically want to emphasize that the distance or space between two or more things has been reduced. Consider using more specific terms if you're referring to emotional or figurative distances.

Is there a difference between using "smaller separation" and "a smaller separation"?

Yes, using "a smaller separation" is generally more grammatically correct as the article "a" indicates that you are referring to a specific instance of separation being smaller. "Smaller separation" might be used in headlines or technical specifications where articles are often omitted for brevity.