by a small size

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "by a small size" is not correct in standard written English.
It may be intended to describe something that is small in size, but the phrasing is awkward and unclear. Example: "The object was difficult to see due to being by a small size."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

The 1st-order satellite reflections visible in the powder-diffraction patterns exhibit, with respect to the fundamental reflections, a considerable diffraction-line broadening, caused by a small size of the particularly ordered domains.

Journal of Solid State Chemistry

It can be explained by a small size of them.

Nanoscale Research Letters

Results tell that the nanopore shape has little effect on ETC at small pore size, because the scattering caused by a small size nanopore may like a defect-scattering while the structure difference between different nanopore shapes with small pore size is difficult to be seen by electrons in their moving.

Nanoscale Research Letters

Moreover, available hypotheses did not consider meiofauna diversity, which is characterized by direct development [188] but also by a small size, which allows organisms' resuspension and drifting over wide regions.

Plosone

That study was limited by a small size, measurement of PCBs in samples collected postdiagnosis, and use of a comparison group that may not have been representative of the general population.

Environmental Health Perspectives

Noncompliance can be explained by a small size of the study group and a mild severity of organ alterations influencing RRI (in this case, RRI is less sensitive), different test method (Pulsed Doppler for RRI and Color Doppler for PDI), but above all referencing of total blood flow to supplied area, and not only a measurement in clearly visible vessels, as it is in case of RRI.

BioMed Research International

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

On the 4th substitution, glutamate, a medium size acidic amino acid was substituted by alanine, a small size hydrophobic amino acid in Bos Taurus.

BMC Genomics

This potential advantage is accompanied by a smaller size and a design effort not much higher than the corresponding SVM, thus making the proposed method very attractive for practical applications.

Neurocomputing

They identify structural differences between HNV and non-HNV farms; HNV farms are characterised by a smaller size and lower efficiency in production.

Agricultural and Food Economics

The epithelial architectures were replaced by dense cellular elements that were characterized by a smaller size having centrocyte-like features and intensely stained nuclei compared to columnar epithelium.

BMC Gastroenterology

Nonvariable LCRs are characterized by a smaller size, a more heterogeneous amino acid composition, a higher G + C content (P < 2.2 × 10−16 in all comparisons).

Genome Biology and Evolution

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Prefer using phrases like "of a small size" or "in a small size" as they are grammatically correct and widely accepted.

Common error

Instead of saying "caused by a small size", use "caused by its small size" or "due to its small size" to improve clarity and grammatical accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by a small size" functions as a prepositional phrase attempting to indicate a cause or characteristic related to the dimensions of something. However, according to Ludwig AI, this phrasing is not considered grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

100%

Less common in

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "by a small size" appears in some scientific literature, Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically incorrect. The intended purpose is to explain something based on limited dimensions, but it's best to use alternatives like "of a small size" or "due to its small size". The phrase primarily occurs in scientific contexts. To improve clarity and correctness in writing, avoid "by a small size" and opt for more standard phrasing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

of a small size

Replaces "by" with "of", creating a more standard prepositional phrase.

in a small size

Replaces "by" with "in", resulting in a common and correct alternative.

because of its small size

Explicitly states the causal relationship using 'because of'.

as a result of limited size

Emphasizes the consequence stemming from the limited size.

due to small dimensions

Indicates that the small size is a cause, using more formal vocabulary.

resulting from a compact size

Highlights the consequence from a compact size instead.

owing to its smallness

Uses a more formal and literary structure to express the reason of small size.

linked to its miniature size

It explains relationship to the characteristic with a synonym of small.

attributed to small proportions

Uses a more technical term 'proportions' and 'attributed to' indicating reason.

on account of diminished size

Presents a slightly archaic yet formal alternative.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to saying "by a small size"?

You can use phrases like "of a small size", "in a small size", or "due to its small size" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to use the phrase "by a small size"?

No, the phrase "by a small size" is not considered grammatically correct in standard written English. It's better to use alternatives like "of a small size".

How can I use the concept of "small size" correctly in a sentence?

Instead of saying "the error was caused by a small size of the sample", say "the error was caused by the small sample size" or "the error was due to the small size of the sample".

What is the difference between "by a small size" and "of a small size"?

The phrase "of a small size" is a grammatically correct and commonly used prepositional phrase to describe dimensions. In contrast, "by a small size" is awkward and not standard English.