grows smaller

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "grows smaller" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to talk about something gradually becoming smaller in size. For example: "As the winter days get shorter, the amount of daylight grows smaller."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

It grows smaller, smaller, smaller.

The Guardian - Books

The world grows smaller and busier.

The New York Times - Sports

I loved his sardonic aside: "The Small Council grows smaller and smaller".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The rocket grows smaller and smaller as it reaches into pure black.

The New York Times

As the world grows smaller and film productions grow increasingly international, subtitles may become less common.

The New York Times

With Spiegel's death, the group of survivors of the revolt that was crushed 70 years ago grows smaller.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

He grew smaller and smaller.

The New Yorker

As elevation increases the trees grow smaller.

Encyclopedia Britannica

BMI checks were growing smaller quarterly.

The New York Times

The world does not grow smaller".

The Guardian - Books

As transistors have grown smaller, their gates have shrunk, too.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing abstract concepts like influence or market share, use "grows smaller" to convey a decline in significance or scope. For example: As competition intensifies, each company's market share "grows smaller".

Common error

Avoid using "grows smaller" when a more precise verb like "shrinks", "diminishes", or "declines" would be more appropriate and impactful. Overusing generic phrases can weaken your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "grows smaller" functions primarily as a verb phrase, where "grows" acts as a linking verb connecting the subject to the adjective "smaller". This construction describes a process of gradual reduction in size, quantity, or significance. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Science

14%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "grows smaller" is a versatile and grammatically correct expression used to describe a gradual reduction in size, quantity, or importance. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it enjoys widespread use across various contexts, primarily in news and media, but also in scientific and academic writing. While the phrase is generally appropriate, it's important to consider more specific alternatives like "shrinks", "diminishes", or "declines" when greater precision is needed. Keep in mind its function as a descriptive verb phrase and use it thoughtfully to avoid redundancy and enhance the clarity of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

becomes smaller

A more literal alternative emphasizing the change in size.

shrinks

Implies a physical reduction in size or extent.

lessens

Emphasizes a decrease in intensity or degree.

diminishes

Focuses on the gradual reduction in importance or impact.

declines

Focuses on a downward trend or decrease in quality or quantity.

contracts

Suggests a drawing together or inward movement, resulting in a smaller size.

dwindles

Highlights a gradual decline in number or amount.

recedes

Indicates a moving back or away, leading to a perceived reduction.

tapers off

Suggests a gradual reduction to a point or end.

is reduced

Emphasizes the state of being made smaller.

FAQs

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

You can use "grows smaller" to describe a gradual reduction in size, quantity, or importance. For instance, "As the company's profits declined, its presence in the market /s/becomes+smaller." Alternatively, "The window of opportunity /s/is+getting+smaller each day.

What are some synonyms for "grows smaller"?

Alternatives include "diminishes", "shrinks", "lessens", "contracts", and "recedes". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "grows smaller" or "becomes smaller"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. "Grows smaller" is slightly more concise and can sound more natural in certain contexts. However, "becomes smaller" is equally valid and may be preferred for emphasis or clarity.

In what situations is "grows smaller" most appropriate?

"Grows smaller" is fitting when describing a gradual or continuous reduction in something. It is particularly suitable for abstract concepts, such as influence or market share, and physical objects, such as portion sizes or the size of a crowd.