a smaller volume of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a smaller volume of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing quantities or sizes, particularly in contexts related to measurements, containers, or amounts. Example: "To achieve a more concentrated solution, we need to use a smaller volume of water."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Instead, they developed a smaller volume of properties intended for their own portfolio".

The New York Times

By making a smaller volume of far superior wines, and charging more for them, they demonstrated a path toward a successful future for the region.

The New York Times - Food

The goal of PBI is to treat a smaller volume of breast tissue in less time, focusing the dose around the lumpectomy cavity.

Medical Dosimetry

Therefore, to concentrate most of the contaminants in a smaller volume of soil, the grain-size fraction below 125 μm was treated by hydrocycloning techniques.

Journal of Hazardous Materials

Numerical simulation results show that the proposed formulation requires a smaller volume of partition than the previous topology-optimization-based formulation.

Applied Acoustics

When melted and emulsified together with a smaller volume of Cd, Cd-rich droplets are formed (being immiscible with the Al-rich liquid).

Intermetallics

At the same fan speed it seems to push a smaller volume of air, meaning that to cool you from across the room requires it to be turned up pretty high.

The Guardian - Tech

In the future, this large first step dilution could be avoided by using a smaller volume of a higher concentration cryoprotectant, thus maintaining the sperm at a higher overall sperm concentration.

Nature

We recently introduced a bedside point-of-care (POC) blood gas analyzer (iSTAT, Princeton, NJ) that requires a smaller volume of blood to replace conventional Radiometer blood gas and electrolyte analysis used by our neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

Stanford University

The fatigue limit in rotating-bending is higher than that in axial loading because of a smaller volume of high stress.

International Journal of Fatigue

The tracers with large partitioning coefficients generally predicted a smaller volume of PCE than that expected based on the actual release volume.

Journal of Contaminant Hydrology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing different scenarios, use "a smaller volume of" to clearly indicate a reduction in size or quantity, ensuring the comparison remains easily understandable. Use this particularly in scientific or technical contexts where precision is key.

Common error

Avoid using "a smaller volume of" when referring to abstract concepts or non-physical entities. For example, don't say "a smaller volume of effort" when "less effort" is more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a smaller volume of" functions as a determiner phrase, modifying a noun. It quantifies the noun by specifying that its volume is less than some other volume or a standard volume. Ludwig examples show its use in various scientific and general contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

69%

News & Media

22%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a smaller volume of" is a versatile and grammatically sound way to express a reduction in quantity, mainly in measurable contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and applicability across diverse fields, including science, news, and business. While it's crucial to use it appropriately, avoiding abstract or non-physical applications, its frequency and clear meaning make it a valuable tool for precise communication. Its alternatives, like ""a lesser volume of"" or ""a reduced quantity of"", can add nuance depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a lesser volume of

Emphasizes the reduction in volume in a slightly more formal tone.

a reduced quantity of

Focuses on the reduction in quantity rather than specifically volume.

a diminished amount of

Highlights the decrease in amount, implying a lessening or weakening.

a lower quantity of

Similar to "a reduced quantity of" but with a slightly different connotation.

a smaller amount of

More general and can apply to various contexts beyond just volume.

a lighter volume of

Emphasizes the decreased weight of the volume.

a curtailed volume of

Suggests that the volume has been deliberately limited.

a restricted volume of

Indicates that there is a limit or constraint on the volume.

a decreased quantity of

Focuses on the decline in the amount or number.

a reduced measure of

Highlights the diminished measurement.

FAQs

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

You can use "a smaller volume of" to compare quantities. For example, "Using "a smaller volume of" solvent can reduce waste".

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

Alternatives include "a lesser volume of", "a reduced quantity of", or "a diminished amount of", depending on the context.

Is it correct to use "a smaller volume of" when referring to abstract concepts?

It's generally better to avoid using "a smaller volume of" for abstract concepts. Phrases like "less" or "reduced" are more appropriate. For example, use "less effort" instead of ""a smaller volume of" effort".

How does "a smaller volume of" differ from "a smaller amount of"?

"A smaller volume of" specifically refers to the physical space occupied by something, while "a smaller amount of" is more general and can refer to quantities of non-physical things as well.