a smaller time

USAGE SUMMARY

"a smaller time" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a period of time that is shorter than its usual duration. For example: "We were able to complete the project in a smaller time than expected."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

The picture below shows the same signal on a smaller time scale.

Cornell University

Perhaps she was stating only the obvious: she was still big in a smaller time.

The Guardian - Film

A smaller time step yields an increasingly accurate, yet more computationally demanding solution.

Chemical Engineering Science

Over all, richer countries like the United States tend to have a smaller time gap for unpaid work than poorer countries like Mexico.

The New York Times

This multiplier have a smaller time complexity (for good field it is equal to TA + ⌈log2(n)⌉TX) than all previously presented architecture.

Journal of Systems Architecture

Moreover, the scheme allows to use a smaller time step in the interior domain yielding to quasi-optimal discretization parameters for both methods.

Journal of Computational Physics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

In contrast to common long-term regulation, the utility function here changes on a smaller time-scale.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Identifiable measures of change include a higher frequency center for hypertensive subjects, more energy over 100 Hz, larger-frequency bandwidth, and a smaller time-bandwidth.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

By looking at a large time-window (around 19 months of data), they evaluate how many contacts are new acquaintances, and how many ties are de-activated during a smaller time-window.

EPJ Data Science

A smaller σ, i.e., a smaller time-step, will result in the curves shifting downwards.

Biophysical Journal

A smaller time-lag, attributable to early notification by dermatologists in the study region, was observed for malignant melanoma.

BMC Cancer

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine it with comparative adjectives and adverbs (e.g., 'a much smaller time', 'significantly smaller time') to highlight the degree of reduction.

Common error

Avoid using "a smaller time" when you actually mean a different point in time or a change in the timing of events. For example, don't say "We met at "a smaller time"" if you mean "We met earlier."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a smaller time" primarily functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun. It indicates a period that is reduced in duration or extent. Ludwig AI confirms the acceptability of this phrase, showcasing its role in describing durations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

43%

News & Media

30%

Academia

27%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a smaller time" is a grammatically correct and frequently used way to describe a reduced duration or timeframe. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability. It's commonly found in scientific, news, and academic contexts, emphasizing efficiency or limitations. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects a reduction in duration, and consider alternatives like "shorter duration" or "reduced timeframe" for nuanced meaning. Avoid confusing it with alternative points in time.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shorter duration

Emphasizes the length of the time period being less.

reduced timeframe

Highlights that the period within which something occurs is decreased.

brief period

Indicates a short amount of time.

shorter interval

Focuses on the gap between two points in time being less.

limited time

Stresses the restriction on the amount of available time.

compressed schedule

Implies that activities are fitted into less time.

abbreviated period

Formal way of saying a period has been made shorter.

quicker turnaround

Focuses on the time it takes to complete a process being faster.

accelerated pace

Suggests a faster rate of activity over a shorter time.

tightened timeline

Emphasizes the reduced leeway in completing tasks within the allotted time.

FAQs

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

You can use "a smaller time" to indicate a reduced duration for an activity or process. For instance, "The updated engine completes the task in "shorter duration"" or "We aim to finish the project in "reduced timeframe"".

What are some alternatives to "a smaller time"?

Alternatives to "a smaller time" include "shorter duration", "reduced timeframe", or "brief period". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

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

It's appropriate to use "a smaller time" when you want to emphasize that something is happening or being completed more quickly or within a more limited timeframe than previously. For example, “The updated system processes requests in "a smaller time"”.

Is there a difference between using "a shorter time" and "a smaller time"?

While both phrases are similar, "a shorter time" focuses on the reduced length of time, while "a smaller time" can emphasize the reduced allocation or window of time. They are often interchangeable, but context can influence the more appropriate choice. You could also use "reduced timeframe".