is smaller than

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is smaller than" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when making comparisons between two quantities, sizes, or values to indicate that one is less than the other. Example: "The new model is smaller than the previous version, making it easier to store."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Everything is smaller than he remembers.

Independent

He is smaller than life.

The New York Times

He is smaller than I expected.

The Guardian

Israel is smaller than New Jersey.

The New York Times - Magazine

Each is smaller than the last.

The Guardian

"Their brick oven is smaller than ours".

The New York Times

Their country is smaller than Cuba.

The New York Times - Travel

Norway's population is smaller than Scotland's.

The Guardian

The deal is smaller than many Andersen is considering.

The New York Times

The population is smaller than during the Weimar Republic.

The New Yorker

But the relationship is smaller than most people assume".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing sizes, ensure that both subjects are clearly defined. For example, instead of saying "This model is smaller than before", specify "This model is smaller than the previous model".

Common error

Avoid using "is smaller than" without a clear point of reference. For instance, saying "The portion is smaller" is less effective than saying "The portion is smaller than what's advertised".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is smaller than" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It's used to indicate that one noun possesses a lesser size relative to another noun. Ludwig examples show it used to compare countries, objects, and even abstract concepts like audiences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

35%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is smaller than" is a versatile and grammatically sound comparative phrase that is commonly used to express that one thing is less in size, amount, or degree compared to another. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms the phrase’s correctness and broad applicability, highlighting its frequent use in contexts ranging from news and media to scientific discourse. The examples provided by Ludwig demonstrate the various ways this phrase can be effectively employed, suggesting that writers should focus on ensuring clarity in their comparisons. With a neutral register, it’s appropriate for diverse audiences, making it a reliable choice for clear and concise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is not as big as

Uses simpler language, focusing on the lack of bigness.

is tinier than

Highlights the diminutive nature, adding a more descriptive term.

is less extensive than

Focuses on the extent or scope, rather than just physical size.

is on a smaller scale than

Indicates a difference in the overall scope or dimensions of something.

is of a lesser magnitude than

Emphasizes the degree or intensity, not just size.

is dwarfed by

Implies a significant difference in size, where one is overshadowed.

is reduced compared to

Focuses on the act of reduction, highlighting the change.

is more compact than

Emphasizes the compactness relative to something else.

is slighter than

Highlights that something is of less substance, force, or importance.

doesn't measure up to

Uses an idiomatic expression that indicates not reaching the same level or size.

FAQs

How can I use "is smaller than" in a sentence?

Use "is smaller than" to compare the size of two nouns. For example, "A mouse "is smaller than" an elephant".

What's a simpler way to say "is smaller than"?

You can use "is not as big as" as a more straightforward alternative.

Which is correct, "is smaller than" or "is more small than"?

"Is smaller than" is the correct comparative form. "Is more small than" is grammatically incorrect.

What's the difference between "is smaller than" and "is less than"?

"Is smaller than" refers specifically to physical dimensions or size, while "is less than" can refer to quantity, amount, or other measurable values.