contract in size

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "contract in size" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing something that becomes smaller or reduces in dimensions. Example: "As the temperature drops, the metal will contract in size, causing the joints to become loose."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Along with this movement, LSB is also found to contract in size.

International Journal of Energy and Environmental Engineering

As the overall height distribution reduces due to the fabrication of large semi- spherical NPs, the FFT spectra also show the round pattern and contract in size.

Nano-Micro Letters

After a brief growth spurt from 2004 through 2007 Japan's economy has again contracted, is smaller today than it was a decade ago and "will contract in size from now on," Japanese economist Akihiko Matsutani predicts.

Forbes

It is possible that the rise in autoantibody titers that we observe following B cell reconstitution in R4A Tg mice may be transient and at a later time point, the high affinity DNA-reactive B cell population might contract in size as the proportion of non-autoreactive competitor B cells increases.

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

In the 1930's, table services contracted in size, practicality was emphasized and the color palette changed dramatically.

The New York Times

British banks' total assets are around five times our national output and have barely contracted in size.

The Guardian - Opinion

The city also was important as a naval base, especially under the Fāṭimids and the Mamlūks, but already it was contracting in size in line with its new, more modest status.

Encyclopedia Britannica

By the early 2000s, with dance scenes around the world contracting in size (particularly in the United States, where raves were under severe fire from law enforcement), Berlin became a locus for techno producers, DJs, and fans from all over the world, who were attracted by cheap rents and easy-to-obtain artist visas.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Simulation results show that with the increase in angle of attack, laminar separation bubble moves towards the leading edge and at the same time contracts in size.

International Journal of Energy and Environmental Engineering

In his interviews with Colombian, drug cartel informants, Kenney (2007) shows that trafficking networks are flexible and react to opportunities and constraints by expanding and contracting in size and reach.

Crime Science

Hence, the H. arabidopsidis genome encodes a unique repertoire of expanded OGs, while at the same time, ancestral OGs, that is, OGs that were already gained before the point of duplications, were either completely lost or contracted in size.

Genome Biology and Evolution

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "contract in size" when describing physical objects, populations, or abstract concepts like economies becoming smaller. Ensure the context clearly indicates what is contracting.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "contract in size" may sound overly formal in casual conversation. Consider using simpler alternatives like "shrink" or "get smaller" for everyday communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "contract in size" functions as a verb phrase, specifically indicating the action of becoming smaller. It is commonly used to describe a reduction in physical dimensions, population, or scope, as seen in Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

37%

Encyclopedias

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "contract in size" is a grammatically sound way to express a reduction in dimensions or scope. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While its frequency is rare, it finds utility across scientific, news, and encyclopedia sources. When writing, consider that simpler terms might be preferable for informal situations. Related phrases include "decrease in size" or "shrink in size". Remember that precision matters: use it when you wish to specifically indicate that something is becoming smaller.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

decrease in size

Emphasizes a reduction in overall dimensions.

shrink in size

Suggests a more general reduction, often implying a loss of mass or volume.

diminish in size

Indicates a gradual reduction, often over time.

reduce in size

A more formal way of indicating a decrease in dimensions.

lessen in size

Similar to diminish, but may imply a lesser degree of reduction.

grow smaller

Focuses on the change in size relative to a previous state.

become smaller

A simple and direct way to express size reduction.

decline in size

Implies a negative trend in the reduction of size.

taper off

Suggests a gradual reduction to a point.

wane in size

Indicates a decrease in size that aligns with the cycles of nature

FAQs

What does "contract in size" mean?

The phrase "contract in size" means to become smaller or reduce in dimensions. It's often used to describe a physical object, area, or population that is decreasing.

What can I say instead of "contract in size"?

You can use alternatives like "decrease in size", "shrink in size", or "diminish in size" depending on the context.

Is "contract in size" formal or informal?

"Contract in size" tends to be more formal. Simpler alternatives like "get smaller" are more appropriate for informal settings.

How is "contract in size" different from "contracted in size"?

"Contract in size" is the infinitive form, used to describe a potential action. "Contracted in size" is the past participle, indicating that the action has already occurred. For example: "The metal will contract in size" vs. "The metal has contracted in size".