according to size

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "according to size" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when making a comparison between two or more objects based on the objects' sizes. For example: "The samples were arranged according to size, with the largest sample on the left and the smallest sample on the right."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"In this country, people value things according to size.

The New York Times

Engines are sent out according to size of fire.

The New Yorker

Benthic organisms can be classified according to size.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Asking prices around the lake vary widely according to size, condition and location, he said.

The New York Times

Thus, by careful control of flow through the tube, particles can be separated according to size.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The leaf is then allowed to ferment, fired in a dryer at 92 C then sorted according to size.

The Guardian - Travel

Then you dressed all the naked dolls in the house and arranged them on the bed according to size.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The list uses an equal weighting of sales, profits, assets and market value to rank companies according to size.

The Guardian

Then distribute the plants according to size and light preference, staggering the arrangement so nobody wallows in the shadows.

The New York Times

"People see them at 5 in the morning walking across the street, lined up according to size.

The New York Times

The widescreen models are priced at $229 , $249 and $279according to size.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "according to size", ensure the criteria for determining size (e.g., volume, length, area) is clear to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "according to size" when the intention is to describe something based on importance or significance rather than physical dimensions. For emphasis on importance, consider using "according to importance" or "according to significance" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "according to size" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb, adjective, or noun. It indicates that an action, characteristic, or classification is determined or influenced by the physical dimensions of something, as demonstrated by the examples in Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "according to size" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to indicate that something is determined or organized based on physical dimensions. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across various contexts. Its frequency is very common, appearing in scientific, news, and encyclopedia sources. While generally neutral in register, careful attention should be paid to specifying the criteria for determining "size" to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "based on dimension" or "proportional to scale" offer subtle variations in meaning. Using examples, it is clear that "according to size" is useful and understood across a wide array of contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

based on dimension

This alternative replaces "size" with "dimension", focusing on measurement in a specific direction.

proportional to scale

This alternative uses "scale" instead of "size", suggesting a relative comparison of magnitude.

depending on magnitude

This phrase changes "size" to "magnitude", which implies the importance or extent of something.

relative to dimension

This option is more formal than the original, and it specifies how something corresponds or is related to "dimension".

in proportion to extent

This uses "extent" instead of "size", indicating the range or reach of something in comparison.

classified by measurement

Here, the categorization method is emphasized using "measurement" of physical dimensions.

as determined by girth

This alternative uses "girth" to specify the circumference as the determining factor.

graded by volume

This option substitutes "volume" for "size", referring to the amount of space something occupies.

ranked by area

This emphasizes surface area as the criterion for ordering or arrangement.

ordered by length

This alternative focuses on a single linear dimension to establish an order.

FAQs

How can I use "according to size" in a sentence?

You can use "according to size" to describe how items are arranged, classified, or priced, such as: "The books were arranged "according to size" on the shelf." or "The price varies "according to size" and type of print."

What's a simple alternative to "according to size"?

Alternatives include "based on dimension", "proportional to scale", or "relative to dimension", offering slightly different nuances in meaning depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "according to size" in formal writing?

Yes, "according to size" is appropriate for formal writing when describing something that varies with physical dimensions or scale. As Ludwig AI exemplifies, it is used in formal, scientific and professional contexts.

What's the difference between "according to size" and "according to importance"?

"According to size" refers to physical dimensions, while "according to importance" refers to the level of significance or priority. For example, "The files were organized "according to size"" means based on file size, whereas "The files were prioritized "according to importance"" means based on their relevance.