a smaller than expected

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a smaller than expected" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing something that is less in size, quantity, or degree than what was anticipated. Example: "The package arrived with a smaller than expected volume, leading to concerns about missing items."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

But Antofagasta has fallen 21.5p to 672p after saying it would report a smaller than expected increase in production this year.

The Guardian - Business

Chinese imports jumped in August, leading to a smaller than expected Chinese surplus (of about $20 billion, down from $29 billion in July).

The Economist

Consumer prices rose a smaller than expected 0.1% in February, while core CPI climbed 0.1%.

Forbes

Meanwhile, average hourly earnings rose a smaller than expected 0.2%, while the unemployment rate slipped to 4.6%, from 4.7%.

Forbes

The much weaker association of fetal and placental inflammatory responses suggest a smaller than expected contribution of intra-amniotic inflammation to term intrapartum fevers.

American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology

Nevertheless, this meant that Australia had a smaller than expected advantage.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

[C9.] Core Inflation Rate Is Modest The government reported a smaller-than-expected increase in prices excluding energy and food.

The New York Times

A smaller-than-expected decline could lift prices somewhat.

The New York Times

First, its share of the nation's eyeballs declined by a smaller-than-expected 3%.

The Guardian

Natural gas climbed after a report showed a smaller-than-expected rise in stockpiles.

The New York Times

Mexico reported a smaller-than-expected trade deficit for November after oil exports rose sharply.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a smaller than expected" to describe situations where an actual outcome is less than what was predicted or anticipated. This is common in economic reports, scientific findings, and general observations.

Common error

Avoid using "a smaller than expected" when a different phrase more accurately reflects the situation. For instance, use "less than ideal" when describing a situation that is undesirable but not necessarily unexpected.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a smaller than expected" functions as an adjective phrase that modifies a noun. It describes the noun as being less in size, quantity, or degree than what was anticipated. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a smaller than expected" serves to describe an outcome that falls short of anticipations. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatically correct and usable nature, predominantly surfacing within News & Media and Scientific contexts. While examples are not abundant, its usage is straightforward: it is an adjective phrase to modify a noun. Use this phrase when aiming to convey that an actual result is less than originally predicted.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

less than anticipated

Replaces 'smaller than expected' with a more formal tone, using 'anticipated' to denote expectation.

lower than forecast

Substitutes 'expected' with 'forecast', emphasizing a prediction or projection.

below expectations

Uses a prepositional phrase to indicate that the actual result did not meet the anticipated level.

underestimated

Conveys that the actual value was less than initially estimated or assumed.

not as much as predicted

Emphasizes the difference between the actual outcome and the initial prediction.

less than projected

Similar to 'lower than forecast', but uses 'projected' to indicate a formal estimate.

fell short of expectations

Indicates a failure to reach the anticipated level or result.

did not meet expectations

A straightforward expression indicating that the outcome was below what was anticipated.

less than was hoped for

Introduces an element of desire or hope that was not fulfilled.

a reduced amount

Focuses on the quantity being less, omitting the element of expectation.

FAQs

How can I use "a smaller than expected" in a sentence?

You can use "a smaller than expected" to describe outcomes that are less than what was anticipated, such as "The company reported "a smaller than expected loss"" or "We received "a smaller than expected turnout" at the event".

What are some alternatives to "a smaller than expected"?

Alternatives include "less than anticipated", "below expectations", or "underestimated". The best choice depends on the specific context and the desired level of formality.

Is it correct to say "smaller than what was expected"?

Yes, "smaller than what was expected" is grammatically correct. However, "a smaller than expected" is more concise and commonly used.

What does it imply when something is described as "a smaller than expected"?

It implies that the actual result or quantity is less than what someone had anticipated or predicted. This can be significant in fields like economics, where expectations influence market behavior. This expression suggests the presence of a surprise element, related to the difference between prior beliefs and concrete data.