getting smaller

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "getting smaller" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation where something is shrinking in size. For example, "The amount of snow we received this winter is getting smaller each year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Getting smaller?

The Economist

It is getting smaller.

The New York Times

Is it getting smaller?

Independent

The world's been getting smaller.

The New York Times

Basically, they're getting smaller.

The Guardian - Sport

"It's getting smaller.

The Guardian

Farms are getting smaller, sometimes farcically so.

The Economist

Small farms are getting smaller still.

The Economist

Women, meanwhile, seem to be getting smaller.

The New Yorker

Now, the niches are getting smaller.

The New Yorker

"Vaccine supplies are getting smaller.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "getting smaller" to describe abstract concepts like market share or influence, ensure the context clearly establishes the measurable aspect that is decreasing.

Common error

Avoid using "getting smaller" to describe situations where a return to the original size is impossible or highly improbable. For example, saying "the universe is getting smaller" is generally inaccurate, unless you are discussing a specific theoretical model.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "getting smaller" functions as a verb phrase acting as a progressive form. According to Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and describes a continuous action of decreasing in size or magnitude. Examples show its use across diverse topics.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

86%

Science

7%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "getting smaller" is a versatile and commonly used expression describing a reduction in size, quantity, or scope. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and broad applicability. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it is considered neutral in register. While alternatives like "shrinking" and "diminishing" exist, "getting smaller" offers a straightforward and easily understood way to convey the concept of reduction. Remember to use this phrase carefully in irreversible contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shrinking

Emphasizes the act of becoming reduced in size.

diminishing

Focuses on a gradual decrease or reduction.

dwindling

Implies a gradual and continuous reduction, often to near nothing.

decreasing in size

Explicitly states the reduction in physical dimensions.

becoming reduced

Highlights that something is being subjected to the act of reduction.

reducing

Highlights the process of making something smaller.

lessening

Indicates a decrease in amount, intensity, or degree.

contracting

Implies a drawing together or shrinking inward.

tapering off

Suggests a gradual reduction, often towards a point.

becoming more compact

Focuses on the result of being smaller and more tightly packed.

FAQs

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

You can use "getting smaller" to describe a reduction in size, amount, or scope. For example, "The company's market share is "getting smaller"", or "My world was "getting smaller" and smaller as I stayed home more often".

What are some alternatives to "getting smaller"?

Alternatives to "getting smaller" include "shrinking", "diminishing", and "decreasing". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct: "getting smaller" or "becoming smaller"?

Both "getting smaller" and "becoming smaller" are grammatically correct and generally interchangeable. "Getting smaller" is slightly more informal and emphasizes the process of change, while "becoming smaller" is more neutral.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use "getting smaller"?

"Getting smaller" is appropriate in various contexts, including describing physical size, quantities, abstract concepts like influence, or even personal feelings. However, ensure the context makes it clear what exactly is shrinking.