a somewhat smaller

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a somewhat smaller" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing sizes or quantities, indicating that something is smaller to a certain degree but not significantly so. Example: "The new model is a somewhat smaller version of the previous one, making it easier to handle."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Australia did the same thing on a somewhat smaller scale starting a year later.

The New York Times

Regulators eventually approved a somewhat smaller increase.

The New York Times

I think the Mauser pistol had a somewhat smaller caliber.

Yale University

It plans to adhere to that strategy, but with a somewhat smaller staff.

The New York Times

That might enable doctors to restrict defibrillators to a somewhat smaller group.

The New York Times

Nearby is a somewhat smaller dolmen, Viera, dating back to 2000 B.C.

The New York Times - Travel

A somewhat smaller contingent from the Upper East Side is also expected to visit.

The New York Times

A somewhat smaller number, 53 percent, said they were pleased with his security policies.

The New York Times

Besides the legionaries there was a somewhat smaller body of auxiliaries, or supporting troops.

Encyclopedia Britannica

And you will have a somewhat smaller bull's-eye painted on your forehead.

The New York Times

Ireland satisfies them to a somewhat smaller extent and has had some success revaluing.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a somewhat smaller" to convey a moderate reduction in size, quantity, or degree, without implying a drastic change. For example, "The revised budget included a somewhat smaller allocation for marketing."

Common error

Avoid using "a somewhat smaller" when the difference is actually significant or negligible. If the difference is substantial, use phrases like "significantly smaller" or "considerably smaller". If the difference is minimal, consider "slightly smaller" or "nearly the same".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a somewhat smaller" functions as a pre-modifying adjective phrase. It modifies a noun, indicating a moderate degree of reduction in size, quantity, or extent. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Academia

15%

Encyclopedias

9%

Less common in

Science

23%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a somewhat smaller" is a grammatically sound and versatile phrase used to indicate a moderate reduction in size, amount, or degree. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely accepted and utilized across diverse contexts, particularly in news media, academic writing, and encyclopedic entries. When using the phrase, ensure that the level of reduction aligns with the context; if the difference is either substantial or negligible, consider using alternative phrases like "significantly smaller" or "slightly smaller", respectively. This phrase provides a neutral and informative way to convey comparative information without exaggerating the difference.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a slightly smaller

Indicates a minimal difference in size, emphasizing the smallness of the reduction.

a marginally smaller

Suggests an even slighter difference, close to the limit of measurability.

a moderately smaller

Implies a more noticeable, yet still not dramatic, difference in size.

a noticeably smaller

Highlights that the size reduction is easily observed or detected.

a discernibly smaller

Similar to noticeably smaller, suggesting the difference can be readily distinguished.

a palpably smaller

Emphasizes that the size reduction is so significant it can be sensed or perceived easily.

a trivially smaller

Suggests that the difference in size is so minimal as to be almost insignificant.

a negligibly smaller

Indicates that the difference in size is so small it can be disregarded.

a fractionally smaller

Emphasizes the very minute nature of the size difference.

a tinier

Uses a different adjective, expressing a clear reduction of size.

FAQs

How do I use "a somewhat smaller" in a sentence?

Use "a somewhat smaller" to indicate that something is reduced in size, amount, or degree to a moderate extent. For example, "The company decided to proceed with "a somewhat smaller" marketing budget this year."

What can I say instead of "a somewhat smaller"?

You can use alternatives like "a slightly smaller", "a moderately smaller", or "a noticeably smaller", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "a somewhat smaller" versus "a significantly smaller"?

Use "a somewhat smaller" when the reduction is moderate and not particularly striking. If the reduction is substantial and impactful, "a significantly smaller" is more appropriate.

Is "a somewhat smaller" formal or informal?

"A somewhat smaller" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its neutrality makes it versatile across various writing styles.