half the manpower

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "half the manpower" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a reduction in the number of people required for a task or project, indicating that only 50% of the usual workforce is needed. Example: "By implementing new technology, we were able to complete the project with half the manpower we originally anticipated."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

The canton system of recruitment and replacement, introduced in 1733, provided one-half the manpower of Frederick William's army from the Prussian peasantry.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Despite promising to beef up Frontex's presence on the islands, EU countries have also provided the agency with less than half of the manpower it needs to properly operate.

The Guardian

When it arrived in Korea, only half the division's manpower were National Guard troops, and over 4,500 guardsmen left between May and July 1952, continually replaced by more active duty troops, including an increasing number of African Americans.

Wikipedia

The manpower shortage, Life explained.

The New Yorker

"We just don't have the manpower".

The New York Times

"We didn't have the manpower".

The New York Times - Health

"The manpower, the tooling, the coordination is so tremendous".

The New York Times

The federal government does not have the manpower".

The New York Times

"They don't have the manpower to do that".

The Guardian

"This acquisition gives us the manpower and cash we need".

The New York Times

"It is the manpower company that cheated me.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "half the manpower", ensure it is clear what the original or full manpower level was for context. For example, compare the current manpower to previous staffing levels.

Common error

Avoid using "half the manpower" without specifying what constitutes the 'full' manpower. This lack of context can lead to confusion and misinterpretation of the statement's significance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "half the manpower" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as an object or complement in a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used to describe a reduction in the number of people required for a task.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

25%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "half the manpower" is a grammatically sound and readily understood phrase that describes a 50% reduction in workforce. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in English. While examples are limited, the phrase appears across neutral and professional registers, particularly in news, encyclopedic, and wiki contexts. It is often used to highlight increased efficiency and reduced resource allocation. While its frequency is limited, its message is clear and consistent, making it a useful term for describing workforce changes. When using this phrase, ensure that it's clearly defined in context, specifying what the original manpower consisted of, and what the reduction meant.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fewer employees

Directly states a decrease in the number of employed individuals.

reduced workforce

Focuses on the outcome of reducing the number of employees.

leaner staff

Highlights efficiency and reduced excess in staffing.

smaller team

Emphasizes the size of the group involved.

downsized personnel

Indicates a deliberate reduction in staff numbers.

decreased personnel

A formal way of saying that the number of personnel has been reduced.

optimized resources

Focuses on efficient allocation of all resources, including human capital.

diminished labor force

Highlights the shrinking size of the working population.

cutbacks in staffing

Emphasizes the act of reducing staff as a cost-saving measure.

streamlined operations

Implies that the reduction in manpower is due to more efficient processes.

FAQs

How can I use "half the manpower" in a sentence?

You can use "half the manpower" to indicate a significant reduction in the workforce needed for a specific task or operation. For example: "We completed the project with "half the manpower" originally planned."

What does "half the manpower" mean?

The phrase "half the manpower" refers to a situation where the number of workers or personnel required to perform a task or maintain an operation has been reduced by 50%.

What are some alternatives to saying "half the manpower"?

Alternatives include phrases like "reduced workforce", "smaller team", or "leaner staff". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey. Other choices are "fewer employees" or "downsized personnel".

Is it appropriate to use "half the manpower" in formal writing?

Yes, "half the manpower" is generally acceptable in formal writing, especially when discussing resource allocation or efficiency improvements. However, ensure that the context is clear and professional. For an alternative, you may use "reduced workforce" in the same context.