an even smaller

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an even smaller" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing sizes or quantities, indicating that something is smaller than something else that is already small. Example: "After removing some unnecessary components, the device became an even smaller version of its original design."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

(a) An even smaller gay man whom bears and otters wear as a corsage.

The New Yorker

Others see an even smaller impact.

The Economist

It is an even smaller carry for that.

The Guardian - Sport

This year, labour experts expect an even smaller total.

The Economist

In Asia, digital music has an even smaller foothold.

The New York Times - Tech

Now he's moving back to Williamsburg to an even smaller space.

The New York Times - Arts

But an even smaller minority have remained unaffected by the development.

The New York Times - Arts

"Time Warner has no significant share of content and an even smaller share of online content.

The New York Times

They were joined by an even smaller group of backbench Labour MPs.

The Guardian - Opinion

Of the remaining 60, an even smaller group receive the most use.

The New York Times - Travel

Fletcher's and Shaw's flat, in Dulwich, south London, was an even smaller job.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an even smaller", ensure that the initial reference point is already understood to be small. This clarifies the comparative relationship and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "an even smaller" when the initial subject is not inherently small or when the scale of smallness is not established. For example, instead of saying "an even smaller car", specify "an even smaller subcompact car" to clarify the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an even smaller" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It modifies a noun by indicating that it possesses a quality (size) to a greater degree than another already small entity. Ludwig confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

19%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an even smaller" is a grammatically correct and frequently used comparative phrase. As Ludwig AI confirms, it serves to emphasize a reduction in size compared to something already considered small. It is most commonly found in News & Media but is also used in scientific and general contexts. When using this phrase, ensure the initial reference is understood to be small to maintain clarity. Alternatives include "a still tinier" or "a yet more compact", depending on the desired nuance. Understanding these nuances can enhance the precision and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a still tinier

Emphasizes the diminutive quality using 'tinier' instead of 'smaller'.

a yet more compact

Replaces 'smaller' with 'compact' highlighting reduced dimensions.

a further reduced

Uses 'reduced' to indicate a decrease in size or quantity.

a substantially diminished

Highlights a significant reduction in size.

an appreciably lessened

Focuses on the noticeable decrease in magnitude.

a significantly curtailed

Suggests a marked reduction or limitation.

a notably decreased

Highlights the observed reduction.

an even more minimal

Swaps 'smaller' for 'minimal' emphasizing the extremely small nature.

a microscopic

Implies extreme smallness, often invisible to the naked eye.

a miniature

Denotes something made to a much smaller scale.

FAQs

How do I use "an even smaller" in a sentence?

Use "an even smaller" to compare something to another item that is already considered small. For example, "This phone is small, but the new version is "an even smaller" version of the previous model".

What are some alternatives to "an even smaller"?

You can use alternatives like "a still tinier", "a yet more compact", or "a further reduced" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "an even smaller" versus "a smaller"?

"A smaller" is used for general comparisons, while "an even smaller" is used to emphasize that the item being compared is diminishing from something that is already small. For example, "This is a smaller house" vs. "This is "an even smaller" apartment".

Is "an even smaller" always the correct phrase to use when comparing sizes?

While grammatically correct, consider the context. Sometimes, "much smaller" or "considerably smaller" might be more appropriate if the difference in size is significant and you want to emphasize it more effectively.