and smaller than

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "and smaller than" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when comparing the size of two or more objects, indicating that one is less in size than another. Example: "The new model is faster and smaller than the previous version."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The M100 is lighter -- 4.4 ounces with batteries -- and smaller than other Palm devices.

The New York Times - Tech

Animal tracks, bigger than rat and smaller than coyote, lead away into the dusty gloom.

The New York Times

Luckily for them, today's pumps are simpler to use, more efficient and smaller than ever before.

The New York Times

I see us with a ground that is three-quarters finished and smaller than anyone else's.

The Guardian - Sport

Well, team GB is younger, lighter and smaller than their trans-Atlantic counterparts.

The Guardian - Sport

Those kids were attempting to define me as something other than, and smaller than, an American.

The New York Times

Even cheaper and smaller than the PSP is Nintendo's DS hand-held, which costs about $130.

The New York Times

The Beam weighs two pounds and is even thinner and smaller than a netbook.

The New York Times

In the flesh, David Cameron looks thinner and younger and smaller than on television.

Independent

"In body [it] is larger than a peahen, and smaller than a peacock.

The Economist

Small plates are larger than appetizers and smaller than entrees; typically, diners order two or three each.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context: use "and smaller than" when a size comparison is relevant to the overall point you are making.

Common error

Avoid vague comparisons; always specify what is being compared to what when using "and smaller than". For example, instead of 'It's smaller than you think', specify 'It's smaller than a standard letter-size paper'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "and smaller than" functions as a comparative conjunction, linking two characteristics while emphasizing a size comparison. It adds detail to a description by positioning an object's size relative to another, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Science

35%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "and smaller than" is a grammatically sound and frequently used comparative conjunction, as verified by Ludwig AI. It serves to compare the size of two or more entities, primarily found in News & Media and Science contexts. While acceptable across registers, it is crucial to ensure clear comparisons to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "and less than" or "and not as large as" offer stylistic variations. By following best practices and avoiding common errors, writers can effectively use "and smaller than" to enhance clarity and precision in their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

and less than

Focuses on a numerical or quantifiable difference, emphasizing a lower value.

and tinier than

Emphasizes a more diminutive size, often used for emphasis or emotional impact.

and not as large as

States the size difference in a more formal and explicit manner.

and of a lesser magnitude than

Uses more formal and scientific terminology to indicate a smaller extent.

and inferior in size to

Indicates both size and quality difference, suggesting something is not just smaller but also less significant.

and dwarfed by

Emphasizes that something is significantly smaller in comparison.

and more petite than

Implies delicacy and smallness, often used in a descriptive or aesthetic context.

and reduced compared to

Indicates a decrease in size or extent relative to something else.

and more compact than

Highlights efficiency and reduced size, often related to design or engineering.

and scaled-down from

Suggests a deliberate reduction in size, often for practical reasons.

FAQs

What does "and smaller than" mean?

The phrase "and smaller than" is used to make comparisons, indicating that one thing is of a lesser size or dimension than another. For example, "This phone is lighter "and smaller than" the previous model."

How to use "and smaller than" in a sentence?

Use "and smaller than" to compare the sizes of two items, making sure it's clear what you're comparing. Example: "The new chip is more powerful "and smaller than" its predecessor."

What can I say instead of "and smaller than"?

You can use alternatives like "and less than", "and not as large as", or "and tinier than" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "smaller than or equal to" instead of "and smaller than"?

While "smaller than or equal to" is grammatically correct, "and smaller than" is used when you are already establishing a comparison and want to add the element of size. They serve different purposes. "Smaller than or equal to" implies a range, while ""and smaller than"" adds to an existing description.