half as big

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "half as big" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compare the size of one object to another, indicating that one is 50% the size of the other. Example: "The new model is half as big as the previous version, making it easier to store."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

My house didn't get half as big.

The Guardian - Opinion

And the bank's loans are half as big again as its deposits.

The Economist

FIVE years ago China's economy was half as big as Japan's.

The Economist

In 2005, before Mr Nadal became a star, its share was half as big.

The Economist

In terms of total revenue, the industry is half as big as it was in 2005.

The New York Times

"Because of that difference, you can replace a diesel engine with an SI engine about half as big," says Bromberg.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Its capital, Tehran, is a mighty metropolis half as big again as London.

The Guardian

The bugle reaches up to his shoulder, almost, and looks half as big as he is.

The New York Times

It could be scarcely half as big as the current $10.5 trillion and therefore much easier to finance.

The New York Times

China's reported surplus with the euro area is only half as big as the number published by European statistical offices.

The Economist

Yet unemployment is three times as high as on the mainland, and GDP per person just over half as big.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "half as big" to clearly compare the size of two items, ensuring the context makes the comparison obvious. For instance, "The new phone is half as big as the old one, making it more pocket-friendly."

Common error

Avoid ambiguity by clearly stating what the subject is half as big as. For example, instead of saying "It's half as big", specify "It's half as big as the original model."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "half as big" functions as an adjectival phrase used for comparison. It modifies a noun by specifying its size relative to another known entity. Ludwig AI examples showcase this comparison across various domains, reinforcing its role in quantifying size differences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

19%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

5%

Social Media

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "half as big" is a common and grammatically sound way to express that something is 50% the size of something else. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread usage across various contexts, from news and media to scientific articles. When writing, ensure to provide a clear point of comparison to avoid ambiguity. Similar phrases like "half the size" or "50 percent smaller" can be used as alternatives. The phrase maintains a neutral register, suitable for both formal and informal communication, as confirmed by its consistent usage patterns.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

50% smaller

Expresses the same size difference using a percentage.

half the size

A more concise way of saying something is fifty percent of another's size.

significantly smaller

Highlights a notable size difference without specifying the exact proportion.

considerably smaller

Similar to significantly smaller, but emphasizes the degree of difference.

substantially smaller

Emphasizes that the size difference is considerable and impactful.

markedly smaller

Indicates an easily noticeable difference in size.

reduced by half

Focuses on the act of reducing something to half its original size.

a fraction of the size

Implies a small proportion relative to the other object.

a mere fraction of the magnitude

Highlights that something is small compared to a large scale

dwarfed by

Suggests that the object is small in comparison to another.

FAQs

How can I use "half as big" in a sentence?

Use "half as big" to compare the size of two objects, indicating that one is 50% the size of the other. For example, "The compact car is "half as big" as the SUV."

What phrases are similar to "half as big"?

Alternatives include "half the size", "50 percent smaller", or "significantly smaller", depending on the desired level of formality and precision.

Is it better to say "half as big" or "half the size"?

Both ""half as big"" and "half the size" are grammatically correct and widely used. The choice depends on personal preference and the specific context. They convey the same meaning.

Can "half as big" be used for abstract concepts, not just physical size?

While primarily used for physical dimensions, ""half as big"" can also apply to abstract concepts like budgets or market share to indicate a 50% reduction. For example, "The marketing budget is "half as big" as last year's."