be smaller than expected

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be smaller than expected" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing outcomes or results that are less than what was anticipated or predicted. Example: "The final budget for the project turned out to be smaller than expected, leading to adjustments in our spending plan."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

The protests turned out to be smaller than expected, but there were complaints about police aggressiveness.

The New Yorker

Why might the effects of moral hazard be smaller than expected?

The New Yorker

After all, the mobile industry's "next big things" often turn out to be smaller than expected.

The Economist

Hog prices gained after a report signaled that pork supplies will be smaller than expected early next year.

The New York Times

In March, Procter warned that its third-quarter profit would be smaller than expected, and shares fell another 30percentt.

The New York Times

"While we still think there will be a shortfall, we believe it will be smaller than expected as programmes aimed at increasing cocoa yields take effect".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

Attendance was smaller than expected.

The New Yorker

His gallery was smaller than expected.

The New York Times - Sports

Both gains were smaller than expected.

The New York Times

In the event, the fine imposed was smaller than expected.

The Guardian

The Little Mermaid is smaller than expected, but the weekend is much, much easier.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be smaller than expected", ensure the context clearly establishes what the expected value or outcome was. This provides a clear point of comparison and enhances understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "be smaller than expected" without providing context for the expectation. Without a clear reference point, the phrase becomes vague and loses its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be smaller than expected" functions as a descriptive comparator, modifying a noun or situation to indicate that its actual size, quantity, or extent is less than what was anticipated. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is frequently used in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be smaller than expected" is a commonly used and grammatically sound expression for indicating that an outcome is less than anticipated. As Ludwig AI confirms, its frequent appearance in news, scientific, and formal business contexts underscores its versatility. When using the phrase, ensure a clear context is established for the expectation. The most common error is failing to provide this context, leading to ambiguity. Related phrases such as "fall short of expectations" or "underperform expectations" can provide alternatives for more formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

underperform expectations

This phrase uses the verb "underperform" to directly indicate a failure to meet expectations.

fall short of expectations

This alternative uses a different verb and noun to convey the idea of not meeting anticipated levels.

be below anticipations

This phrase emphasizes that the actual result was lower than originally anticipated.

not live up to projections

This phrase emphasizes that the actual outcome did not meet previously made projections.

not measure up to forecasts

This alternative highlights that the actual result did not align with earlier forecasts.

be lower than the predicted value

This explicitly states that the actual value is less than what was predicted.

prove to be less substantial

This alternative focuses on the actual substance or impact being lower than what was initially thought.

turn out to be more modest

Using "modest" offers a nuanced way to suggest something was less significant than expected.

end up being less significant

The phrase uses a different adjective to point out a lesser importance than presumed.

result in a smaller magnitude

This alternative focuses on the size of the effect or impact being less than predicted.

FAQs

How can I use "be smaller than expected" in a sentence?

You can use "be smaller than expected" to describe outcomes that are less than anticipated. For example: "The crowd at the event turned out to "be smaller than expected"."

What's a formal alternative to "be smaller than expected"?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "fall short of expectations" or "underperform expectations" to convey a similar meaning with a more professional tone.

How does "be smaller than expected" differ from "be less than expected"?

"Be smaller than expected" typically refers to physical size or numerical value, while "be less than expected" is broader and can apply to any anticipated quantity, quality, or degree.

When is it appropriate to use "be smaller than expected" in writing?

Use "be smaller than expected" when you want to indicate that a measured or observed value is less than what was predicted or hoped for, especially when discussing quantifiable data or physical attributes.