getting any smaller

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "getting any smaller" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the size or dimensions of an object or situation that is not decreasing in size. Example: "Despite our efforts to reduce waste, the pile of recyclables doesn't seem to be getting any smaller."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

Neither are getting any smaller.

The Economist

Atoms and electrons are not getting any smaller.

The Guardian - Tech

Nominal yields may shrink further, but the problems are not getting any smaller.

The Economist

"There is a constant need to replenish, the scale of the problem isn't getting any smaller".

Independent

Less than five minutes to go now, and that lead isn't getting any smaller.

The New York Times

That's bad news because the government will not be getting any smaller.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

"We're not getting any small-cap effect in emerging markets because all the companies are becoming smaller and smaller, the result of shrinking prices and currency erosion," she said.

The New York Times

It doesn't get any smaller.

The New Yorker

Can plane seats get any smaller?

The New York Times - Travel

If they get any smaller, I'd be in danger of inhaling my phone and computer.

The New York Times - Magazine

I don't think it could have gotten any smaller than that".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "getting any smaller" to emphasize that a problem, object, or quantity is not decreasing, often contrary to expectations or efforts. This can create a sense of frustration or urgency.

Common error

Avoid using "getting any smaller" when you simply mean something is small. The phrase implies a lack of expected or desired reduction, not just a small size.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "getting any smaller" functions as a verbal phrase within a clause, typically serving as a predicate complement. It describes a state of no reduction. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

10%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "getting any smaller" is a commonly used and grammatically correct expression that indicates a lack of decrease in size, amount, or intensity. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is particularly prevalent in News & Media. When using the phrase, it's important to consider the implication of unmet expectations or a frustrating lack of progress. Some alternatives you can use, based on the context, include "not diminishing" or "not decreasing in size". Be sure to avoid using the phrase when you simply mean something is small, as it carries a specific connotation of not reducing, as opposed to describing a small amount or size.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not decreasing in size

Emphasizes that dimensions or physical scale remain constant.

not reducing

Indicates that there is no active process of making something smaller.

staying the same size

Focuses on the lack of change in dimensions or scale.

not lessening

Highlights the absence of a decline in intensity or severity.

not diminishing

Focuses on the lack of decrease in overall quality or significance.

not contracting

Suggests that something is not shrinking or becoming more compact.

not tapering off

Implies that something isn't gradually decreasing or fading away.

remaining constant

Highlights that the size or amount is staying the same without shrinking.

not alleviating

Indicates that the burden or issue is not becoming less.

persisting

Emphasizes that something is continuing without decreasing in size or intensity.

FAQs

How can I rephrase the sentence "The problem isn't getting any smaller"?

You can use phrases like "The problem isn't "decreasing in size"", "The problem isn't "lessening"", or "The problem isn't "diminishing" depending on the specific context.

What does it mean when something is "not getting any smaller"?

It means that the size, extent, or intensity of something is not decreasing. It often implies that efforts to reduce it have been unsuccessful or that the situation is worsening.

Is it grammatically correct to say "getting any smaller"?

Yes, the phrase "getting any smaller" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English to describe a situation where something is not decreasing in size or magnitude.

What are some situations where you might use the phrase "getting any smaller"?

You might use it to describe a debt that is not reducing, a crowd that is not thinning, or a problem that is not resolving. For example, "The national debt isn't "getting any smaller" despite the tax revenue".