a substantially smaller

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a substantially smaller" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing the size or amount of one thing to another, indicating that it is significantly less in size or quantity. Example: "The new model is a substantially smaller version of the previous design, making it easier to transport."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

What we found is that the NRA wielded a considerably less substantial degree of influence in elections, with a substantially smaller financial role than most believed.

Forbes

The Scottish firm is a substantially smaller company but its investors would have gained 37% of the combined business.

The Guardian - Business

This least scientific of comparisons suggested, as feared, that the more adventuresome organization would draw a substantially smaller audience.

The New York Times - Arts

Ms. Napp said Balance Point required a "substantially smaller" share from clients, though she declined to be more specific.

The New York Times

So how did the conferees manage to preserve almost the whole Bush tax cut despite a budget resolution that should have forced a substantially smaller cut?

The New York Times

Yet the agency has a substantially smaller work force now than it did in 1994, the year Republicans took over Congress.

The New York Times

The figure puts the government on track to turn in a substantially smaller deficit this year than last year, when it totaled $319 billion for the full year.

The New York Times

We'll need either a substantially smaller state with less generous social security, or higher tax revenues as a share of the economy.

The Guardian - Opinion

A couple of hours away on Saturday, a substantially smaller crowd — 38,646, most of them cheering for England — generated similar electricity.

The New York Times - Sports

"There are other people that believe the discount rate should be even higher, which would lead to a substantially smaller social cost of carbon". he said.

The New York Times

But the initial assault could begin with a substantially smaller force, with the rest held in reserve in case of battlefield surprise or setbacks, or as a stabilization force once the war was over.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a substantially smaller", ensure the comparison is clear to the reader. Specify what is being compared to what to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a substantially smaller" without providing context or a reference point. Readers need to understand what the subject is smaller than to grasp the statement's meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a substantially smaller" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun. It quantifies the degree to which something is smaller than something else, indicating a significant difference in size or amount. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

31%

Science

45%

Academia

11%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a substantially smaller" is an adjectival phrase used to express a considerable difference in size or quantity. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its correct grammatical standing and prevalent usage across diverse fields, including news, science, and academia. The phrase serves to draw a comparison, highlighting that one item is significantly less than another. While suitable for both formal and informal writing, it appears more frequently in neutral to professional registers. Remember to provide clear context when using the phrase to ensure the comparison is easily understood. Alternatives include "a significantly smaller" or "a considerably smaller". Ensure correct usage with Ludwig's examples.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significantly smaller

Emphasizes the importance or impact of the size difference.

a considerably smaller

Highlights the degree or extent of the reduction.

a markedly smaller

Stresses the noticability or obviousness of the difference.

a noticeably smaller

Focuses on the ease with which the difference can be observed.

a much smaller

Simple and direct way to indicate a large difference in size.

a substantially reduced

Focuses on the action of reducing something, rather than the resulting size.

a considerably lessened

Highlights the degree to which something has decreased.

a significantly diminished

Emphasizes that the reduction has importance or consequence.

a greatly decreased

Indicates a large degree of reduction.

a radically scaled-down

Implies a dramatic and fundamental reduction in size or scope.

FAQs

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

Use "a substantially smaller" to compare two things, highlighting that one is significantly smaller than the other. For example, "The new engine has "a substantially smaller" carbon footprint."

What are some alternatives to "a substantially smaller"?

You can use alternatives like "a significantly smaller", "a considerably smaller", or "a much smaller" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. The most fitting alternative depends on context.

Is it correct to say "a substantially smaller amount"?

Yes, it is correct. You can use "a substantially smaller" with countable nouns like "number" or uncountable nouns like "amount". For instance, "They used "a substantially smaller" amount of water during the process."

What is the difference between "a slightly smaller" and "a substantially smaller"?

"A slightly smaller" implies a minor difference in size, while "a substantially smaller" indicates a significant or considerable difference. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the magnitude of the size difference.