fifty percent smaller

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fifty percent smaller" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing the size of one object or quantity to another, indicating that it is half the size of the original. Example: "The new model is fifty percent smaller than the previous version, making it easier to store."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

He designed and built a fully functional keyboard, which is forty percent smaller than a credit card, with the entire alphabet, ten digits, and thirty-one additional standard size keys.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The D10 is the particle size that has ten percent smaller and ninety percent larger.

International Journal of Concrete Structures and Materials

A compact, magnesium alloy body that is one of the smallest in the advanced photo enthusiast category to reduce bulk and allow users to travel light while maintaining durability and build quality (seven percent smaller than the K20D and up to 25percentt smaller than other cameras in the same class).

TechCrunch

Joyce's track was well forecast, with errors ten to twenty percent smaller than the ten-year average.

Wikipedia

The results showed that people who consumed a glass of red wine per day had a forty-five percent smaller risk to get sick.

WikiHow

Gains from 1979 to 2007 were heavily concentrated among those in the top one percent, with smaller gains moving down the income ladder.

The New York Times

The only nations which increased outlays by at least five percent were smaller states in the east--Czech Republic, Estonia, Greece (more to confront Turkey than Russia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romaniaandand the Slovak Republic.

HuffPost

Forty percent wanted smaller labia "to improve appearance," a stat made even more unnerving when you consider that all participants were referred by general practitioners who felt that surgery was appropriate treatment.

Huffington Post

Sixteen percent were small for gestational age.

BMC Pediatrics

Fifty percent effective concentrations (EC50s) for small-molecule inhibition of parasite growth in vitro were obtained by quantification of red blood cell infection by fluorescence staining of DNA and fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) analysis.

Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy

"Fifty percent off".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing sizes, ensure the baseline for the percentage is clearly defined. For instance, specify 'fifty percent smaller than the original model' to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid assuming the 'fifty percent' reduction is from the larger value. Always clarify which size is being reduced; otherwise, the statement can be misleading.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fifty percent smaller" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun. It quantifies the degree to which something is reduced in size, indicating a specific proportional relationship to a reference point. Based on the provided examples, this type of size comparison can occur in different fields.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "fifty percent smaller" is a grammatically sound and understandable way to express that something is half its original size. Although Ludwig indicates its usability, there is a lack of real-world examples to fully demonstrate its frequency across diverse contexts. As an adjectival phrase, it serves to quantify and compare sizes with precision, typically in neutral registers. For clearer communication, specifying the baseline for the percentage is crucial, avoiding potential misinterpretations. Alternatives like "half the size" can offer simpler, more direct ways to convey the same meaning, depending on the audience and context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

half the size

Expresses the same size reduction using a fraction instead of a percentage.

reduced by fifty percent

Focuses on the action of reduction rather than the resulting size.

fifty percent less

Emphasizes the amount that has been removed or is lacking.

half as big

A more informal way of saying "fifty percent smaller".

50% smaller

Uses the numerical symbol for 'percent' for brevity.

markedly smaller

Implies a significant reduction in size, without specifying the exact percentage.

considerably smaller

Similar to 'markedly smaller', indicating a notable size difference.

significantly smaller

Like 'markedly' and 'considerably', but perhaps suggesting a more precise measurement could be made.

noticeably smaller

Suggests the size difference is easily observed.

appreciably smaller

Indicates a reduction in size that is worth taking into account.

FAQs

How can I use "fifty percent smaller" in a sentence?

You can use "fifty percent smaller" when comparing the size of one object to another, indicating it is half the size. For example, "The new phone model is fifty percent smaller than its predecessor."

What's a simpler way to say "fifty percent smaller"?

Alternatives include "half the size", or "reduced by half" which are easier to understand.

Is it more accurate to say "fifty percent smaller" or "fifty percent less"?

While both are understandable, "fifty percent smaller" generally refers to a physical dimension, while "fifty percent less" applies to quantities or amounts. Choose the phrasing that best fits the context.

When should I use "fifty percent smaller" versus saying something is "half the size"?

Using "half the size" is often more direct and easier for a general audience to grasp quickly. "Fifty percent smaller" might be preferred in technical contexts where precise measurements are important, or when discussing percentage changes in a series.