comparatively smaller

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "comparatively smaller" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing the size of one object or entity to another, indicating that it is smaller in relation to the other. Example: "The new model is comparatively smaller than its predecessor, making it easier to handle."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In contrast, the bond area in embedding rectangular or round shaped FRP is comparatively smaller compared with plate typed FRP.

International Journal of Concrete Structures and Materials

Comparatively smaller cities also reflect incomplete European integration.

The Economist

Parents can also use their comparatively smaller spaces to set a positive example.

The New York Times

But so long as we are, a comparatively smaller share of the nonfiction winners — 12½ — were written by women.

The New York Times

Welch says she found a way to get past the heady after-effects of Glastonbury and find the special in the (comparatively) smaller shows.

The Guardian - Music

Women, for example, have smaller brains than men do, even when adjusted for their comparatively smaller body mass, yet average male and female I.Q.

The New York Times - Science

Dr. Mason, the Oxford researcher, said animals that had comparatively smaller ranges, including grizzly bears, American mink, red and Arctic foxes, and Eurasian lynxes, seemed to do well in captivity.

The New York Times

Matt Littunen of Enders Analysis said Twitter's comparatively smaller size, with about 320 million active users worldwide, may have made it a more appealing partner for the NFL than larger digital companies vying for the rights.

The Guardian

But there are signs that here in Mississippi, with its tortured legacy of race-based politics, the tactic may be working, particularly in a district with a comparatively smaller black population than in Louisiana, 26percentt.

The New York Times

Miriam Diamond, an earth sciences professor who runs the University of Toronto lab where Rochman now works, said she believes so-called fast fashion could play a larger role than the comparatively smaller outdoor apparel industry.

The Guardian

License type is only of interest to a comparatively smaller portion of survey respondents.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "comparatively smaller", ensure you clearly define what you are comparing to, to provide context and avoid ambiguity. For example, "The new phone is comparatively smaller than the previous model."

Common error

Avoid using "comparatively smaller" without a clear reference point. Saying "This town is comparatively smaller" is vague; specify what it's smaller than, like "This town is comparatively smaller than the capital city."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "comparatively smaller" functions as an adjectival modifier, indicating that something is of a lesser size when assessed in relation to something else. Ludwig confirms the usability of the phrase, supported by numerous examples across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

38%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "comparatively smaller" is a grammatically correct and commonly used adjectival phrase for indicating that something is of a reduced size in relation to something else. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It is primarily found in science and news media, with a neutral to formal register. When using this phrase, ensure the comparison is clear to maintain clarity. Alternatives include "relatively smaller" and "proportionately smaller", offering similar meanings with slightly different emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Relatively smaller

Emphasizes the size difference in relation to something else, similar to the original phrase but with a slightly different emphasis.

Proportionately smaller

Highlights that the size is reduced in proportion to another factor, adding a specific relationship.

Significantly smaller

Indicates that the difference in size is considerable and noticeable.

Somewhat smaller

Implies a moderate difference in size, less pronounced than "significantly smaller".

Noticeably smaller

Focuses on the visibility or ease of perceiving the size difference.

Considerably less

Indicates a notable difference in size or amount, similar to "significantly smaller" but more general.

Marginally smaller

Suggests the size difference is slight or barely perceptible.

Slightly less

A more general term that indicates a small difference in quantity or size.

A bit smaller

An informal way to express a slight difference in size.

Minutely smaller

Indicates an extremely small, almost imperceptible, difference in size.

FAQs

How do I use "comparatively smaller" in a sentence?

Use "comparatively smaller" to indicate that one thing is smaller when compared to another. For example, "The budget for this project is "comparatively smaller" than last year's budget."

What's a good alternative to "comparatively smaller"?

Alternatives include "relatively smaller", "proportionately smaller", or "noticeably smaller" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "comparatively smaller" since smaller implies a comparison?

While "smaller" inherently suggests a comparison, "comparatively smaller" emphasizes that the size difference is being explicitly considered in relation to something else. It adds a layer of emphasis, which can be useful for clarity.

Which is correct: "smaller in comparison" or "comparatively smaller"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "comparatively smaller" is more concise. "Smaller in comparison" is a valid alternative, but "comparatively smaller" tends to flow more smoothly in writing.