half as numerous

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "half as numerous" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compare quantities, indicating that one group has 50% of the number of another group. Example: "The new species of birds is half as numerous as the native species in the region."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Once the liner enters the Canadian Arctic it will dock at ports of call with populations half as numerous as the paying customers aboard.

The Guardian - Opinion

Lower eyelashes are half as numerous as upper eyelashes [ 11].

Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Approximate indels were only half as numerous as expected within genes (6.5% vs. 13%, Table S4), and within the functional elements, they were both shorter than, and not as numerous as the unique and exact ones (Table S2.1A (see Additional file 1)).

BMC Genomics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

They seem as numerous as all humanity.

The Guardian - Arts

And not half as clean.

The New Yorker

The sceptics are almost as numerous as the enthusiasts.

The Guardian

His headlines were nearly as numerous as his hits.

The New York Times

Bystanders looked on, almost as numerous as the marchers.

The Guardian

This year, the fans are as numerous as they are diverse.

The New York Times

And Corison costs about half as much.

Forbes

Now she comes half as often.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing populations or quantities, ensure the context is clear to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify "half as numerous as what" to provide a clear comparison point.

Common error

Avoid using "half as numerous" without clearly stating what it is half as numerous as. Vague comparisons can confuse readers and weaken your argument. For example, instead of saying "the new species is half as numerous", specify "the new species is half as numerous as the native species".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "half as numerous" functions as a comparative quantifier, indicating that one thing exists in a quantity that is 50% of another. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. It is typically used to describe relative sizes or populations.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

67%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "half as numerous" is a grammatically sound way to express that one quantity is 50% of another. While Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, its usage is relatively rare, mainly appearing in scientific and news-related contexts. When using this phrase, clarity is key: ensure you explicitly state what is being compared to avoid any ambiguity. Consider alternatives like "50% as many" or "twice as few" for varied expression. By adhering to these guidelines, you can effectively and accurately convey comparative quantities in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

half the quantity

Replaces "numerous" with a direct reference to "quantity", making it more explicit about amount.

half the number

Substitutes "numerous" with "number", focusing on the count rather than abundance.

half the amount

Replaces "numerous" with "amount", which is suitable for uncountable nouns.

50% as many

Uses a percentage to directly express the proportional relationship.

twice as few

Expresses the same relationship from the opposite perspective, emphasizing scarcity.

significantly fewer

Indicates a smaller quantity without specifying the exact proportion.

substantially less

Emphasizes a considerable difference in quantity.

a fraction of the quantity

Implies a small portion compared to the original amount.

markedly reduced in number

Highlights a clear decrease in quantity.

considerably diminished

Focuses on the reduction in size or quantity.

FAQs

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

Use "half as numerous" to compare two quantities, indicating that one is 50% of the other. For example, "The invasive species is half as numerous as the native population".

What phrases are similar to "half as numerous"?

Alternatives include "50% as many", "twice as few", or "half the quantity", all indicating a quantity that is 50% of another.

Is it better to say "half as numerous" or "50% as many"?

Both "half as numerous" and "50% as many" are grammatically correct and express the same meaning. The choice depends on the desired level of formality and clarity in your writing.

What's the difference between "half as numerous" and "less numerous"?

"Half as numerous" specifies a precise proportion (50%), while "less numerous" simply indicates a smaller quantity without specifying the exact amount.