half the size

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "half the size" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to indicate that one thing is half as large as another. For example, "This room is only half the size of the other room."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There was also a large, majestic horse, his brain half the size of its rider's.

The New York Times

Your daughter can't afford to buy a house half the size of your own.

The Guardian - Opinion

Build two big snowmen half the size of a really big snowman.

The New Yorker

I'm Uncle Rick!" he roars to an audience half the size of Larsson's.

The Guardian - Music

If you wanted to, you could cut out a steak half the size of a man.

The Guardian

Before, Cashman watched games from a box half the size of the broadcast booths surrounding it.

The New York Times - Sports

"Downtown Camden basically is Rutgers-Camden, and that's only half the size of Rutgers-Newark.

The New York Times

It's roughly half the size of the Pro and weighs around 41-percent of its predecessor. .

TechCrunch

Why was last year's stimulus package half the size economist thought it needed to be?

Huffington Post

To put that in perspective, it's the equivalent of a company half the size of Sainsbury's.

Vice

The cub was stunted and approximately half the size of her litter mates.

Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing sizes, ensure the reference point is clear. For example, specify "half the size of a car" rather than just "half the size".

Common error

Avoid ambiguity by explicitly stating what the subject is "half the size" of. Vague references can lead to confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "half the size" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It's used to specify that one thing has dimensions that are 50% of another. Ludwig's examples clearly demonstrate its descriptive role in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

18%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "half the size" is a common and grammatically correct way to express that something is 50% smaller than another. As evidenced by Ludwig's examples, it is frequently used across various contexts, including news, science, and general writing. To ensure clarity, always specify what the subject is "half the size" of. While many alternatives exist, such as "fifty percent smaller", using ""half the size"" provides a clear and easily understood comparison.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

half the dimensions

Specifies that multiple dimensions are halved, rather than just a general size.

half the length

Focuses specifically on the length being reduced by half.

half the height

Specifically refers to the height being reduced by half.

half the volume

Emphasizes the reduction in three-dimensional space.

fifty percent smaller

Uses a percentage to quantify the reduction in size.

a fraction of the size

Indicates a smaller size without specifying the exact proportion.

significantly smaller

Emphasizes the size difference without quantification.

considerably reduced

Highlights the action of reducing something, rather than a static size comparison.

on a smaller scale

Shifts the focus to the overall scale or scope being diminished.

dwarfed in comparison

Implies that something is significantly smaller when compared to something else.

FAQs

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

You can use "half the size" to compare the dimensions of two objects, for instance, "This room is "half the size" of the living room".

What is a more descriptive alternative to "half the size"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "fifty percent smaller" or "significantly smaller" to provide more detail or emphasis.

Is it correct to say "half in size" instead of "half the size"?

While "half in size" might be understood, ""half the size"" is the more common and grammatically standard way to express that something is reduced by 50% in its dimensions.

What's the difference between "half the size" and "twice as small"?

"Half the size" directly states a dimensional relationship, while "twice as small" implies a comparison emphasizing the smallness. The core meaning is similar, but the emphasis differs.