distinctly smaller

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "distinctly smaller" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize a noticeable difference in size between two or more objects or entities. Example: "The new model is distinctly smaller than its predecessor, making it easier to handle."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

It seemed distinctly smaller than it had when he was little, like a toy version of the real thing.

The New Yorker

They are applicable to free surface flows, when the flow thickness is distinctly smaller than the lateral dimension.

Computers & Fluids

Curiously, birds in the far north and far south of the range are distinctly smaller than those in the central part of the range.

Cornell University

Macrococcus is evolutionarily closely related to the genus Staphylococcus, but possesses a distinctly smaller genome with a size of 2.1 Mb in the species M. caseolyticus1.

Nature

A bit cocky, if you ask me, although looking at the fresh-faced and distinctly smaller Chinese team they can probably afford to be cocky.

The Guardian - Sport

This is, however, distinctly smaller than the true density as calculated for the most complete sampling volume discussed above and is therefore an underestimate.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

Mr. Calleo compared it to squirrel, noting that it had a gamy, pungent aftertaste that was distinctly "small and furry".

The New York Times - Arts

Until an arrest is made, the uneasiness is unlikely to subside in West Trenton, a middle-class suburb with a distinctly small-town feel.

The New York Times

While bringing some big-city professionalism to a distinctly small-time operation, he says he is making enough money to support himself, and he has been able to assign some freelance work to a few underemployed former colleagues.

The New York Times

Pumeza Matshikiza sings the title role appealingly, but only Amy Freston's Perseda and Simon Lobelson's Osmin manage both speech and song with success – some of the singing is distinctly small-scale.

The Guardian - Music

Spain, for example, chose not to submit Pedro Almodovar's "Skin I Live In," and France, which last year passed over the highly praised "Of Gods and Men" and was widely criticized for doing so, submitted "Declaration of War," a drama about a young couple's battle to save their sick child that has a distinctly small-budget indie feel.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "distinctly smaller", ensure that the comparison is clear and that the difference in size is significant enough to warrant the emphasis. This phrase is effective when you want to highlight a noticeable reduction in size.

Common error

Avoid using "distinctly smaller" when the size difference is negligible or insignificant. Overusing this phrase for minor variations can dilute its impact and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "distinctly smaller" functions as an adverbial modifier emphasizing the degree to which something is smaller. It modifies an adjective, in this case 'smaller', highlighting a significant size difference. Ludwig AI shows many examples in scientific and news contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

66%

News & Media

18%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "distinctly smaller" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to emphasize a noticeable size difference. Ludwig AI confirms this, showing it’s appropriate for various contexts, particularly in science and news. While "distinctly smaller" is versatile, ensure the size difference is truly significant to warrant its use. Alternatives like "noticeably smaller" or "significantly smaller" can be used for variety. Using "distinctly smaller" correctly will enhance the clarity and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

noticeably smaller

Emphasizes the ease with which the size difference can be observed.

markedly smaller

Highlights a significant or pronounced difference in size.

appreciably smaller

Indicates that the size difference is considerable or easily perceived.

significantly smaller

Focuses on the importance or consequence of the size reduction.

considerably smaller

Suggests a substantial or noteworthy decrease in size.

substantially smaller

Similar to 'considerably smaller' but with a slightly stronger emphasis.

decidedly smaller

Emphasizes the clear and unambiguous nature of the size difference.

visibly smaller

Highlights that the size difference is apparent to the eye.

plainly smaller

Indicates the size difference is easily and obviously seen.

measurably smaller

Suggests the size difference is quantifiable and not just a visual impression.

FAQs

How can I use "distinctly smaller" in a sentence?

Use "distinctly smaller" to emphasize a clear and noticeable size difference between two items. For example, "The new version is "distinctly smaller" than the previous model, making it easier to carry."

What are some alternatives to "distinctly smaller"?

You can use alternatives such as "noticeably smaller", "significantly smaller", or "markedly smaller" to convey a similar meaning. The choice depends on the specific context and the degree of emphasis you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "distinctly smaller" and "slightly smaller"?

"Distinctly smaller" implies a clear and easily noticeable difference in size, whereas "slightly smaller" suggests a minimal or subtle difference. Use "distinctly smaller" when the size difference is significant and apparent.

When is it appropriate to use "distinctly smaller" instead of "smaller"?

Use "distinctly smaller" when you want to emphasize the degree of size reduction. It adds a level of emphasis that "smaller" alone does not convey, highlighting that the difference is not just present but also easily observable.